What is biologic shaping?
Biologic shaping is an advanced periodontal treatment similar to crown lengthening, typically needed when the margins of a tooth are too far subgingival or “below the gum line.”
Biologic shaping differs from traditional crown lengthening in that it is typically indicated when there is furcation involvement. The furcation is the area between the roots of teeth. Crown lengthening is needed to reposition bone away from the margin of the tooth (i.e., when more root structure is required in the event of “short” teeth), whereas biologic shaping moves the tooth margin away from the bone.
Furcation involvement exists when, according to the American Academy of Periodontology, “periodontal disease has caused resorption of the bone into the bi- or trifurcation area of a multi-rooted tooth.” Molars typically have two or three roots.
Biologic shaping is simply the recontouring of bone and tooth for ideal cleansing. Without biologic shaping, bone loss will continue to occur. Biologic shaping maintains or preserves bone.
What are the steps involved with biologic shaping?
Drs. Lepore and Dougherty will complete a thorough, comprehensive examination, in which they will review your dental X-rays and photos with you. Once a diagnosis has been made for a biologically shaped crown, the next step will be to bring you in for treatment with Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty. This treatment includes preparing the tooth for the biologic shaping procedure with a periodontist. At this appointment, decay is removed, and you leave our office with a surgical provisional (or temporary) crown. This differs from a standard temporary crown in that it is made to last for months rather than weeks. Your tooth or teeth have been stabilized and are then ready for biologic shaping.
Typically, your gum and bone tissue will require 12 weeks of healing before you return to Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty for the final step. It is important to note that this does not mean 12 weeks of discomfort. Typically, after surgery, patients mention that they are sore for 5-10 days. After 12 weeks, you will return to your periodontist for a final tissue check, who then clears you for your next visit with Dr. Lepore or Dr. Dougherty. At this final impression step, the tooth (teeth) are finally prepared, and new provisional crown(s) may need to be made for you due to the changes in your gum tissue after healing. Typically, you will return to our office in two to three weeks, and your final restoration(s) will be cemented permanently.
Do I really need biologic shaping?
If you do not want to continue to lose bone, or if you want to keep your gums and teeth cleaner and healthier, then yes, you will need bio shaping when indicated. Without bio-shaping, the bone will continue to irreversibly pull away from your teeth due to the harmful effects of bacteria and inflammation.
Biologic Shaping Case completed by Dr. Richard Rasmussen lll (Periodontist) and Dr. Ryan Lepore (Restorative Dentist)
Before and After Biologic Shaping Treatments
Biologic Shaping Case 1 (Before and after):
Biologic Shaping completed by our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III, and Restorative Treatment by Dr. Ryan Lepore.
Photo courtesy of our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III
Biologic Shaping Case 2 (Before and after):
Biologic Shaping completed by our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III, and Restorative Treatment by Dr. Ryan Lepore.
Photo courtesy of our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III
Biologic Shaping Case 3 (Before and after):
Biologic Shaping completed by our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III, and Restorative Treatment by Dr. Ryan Lepore.
Photo courtesy of our Periodontist, Dr. Richard Rasmussen III
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