Complications and Survival of Teeth Restored With Crowns Following Crown Lengthening: A Retrospective Cohort Study

PURPOSE: The aim of this retrospective cohort study was to evaluate the complications and survival of teeth after single-crown restoration following surgical crown lengthening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients who underwent surgical crown lengthening prior to receiving single-crown restorations by postgraduate residents at Dubai Dental Hospital, between January 2011 and January 2021 were contacted to participate in the study. The restored teeth were clinically and radiographically examined. Demographic data, patient- and tooth- related details, prevalence of prosthodontic, periodontal, and endodontic complications, as well as failure rates with underlying reasons, were documented and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 179 teeth from 81 patients were included in this study. Statistical analysis revealed a survival rate of 96.8% at 5 years and 95% at 10 years. Among surviving teeth, clinically significant complications of prosthodontic, endodontic and periodontal origin occurred in 8.8%, 11.2%, and 15.9% of cases, respectively. Regular dental attendance emerged as a protective factor against complications in multivariable analysis (OR = 0.38; p = .013). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, compromised teeth treated with crown restorations following crown lengthening showed a high long-term survival rate. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The high survival rate of teeth preserved through crown lengthening prior to crown restoration provides valuable evidence to support clinical decision-making regarding the rehabilitation of structurally compromised teeth with unclear prognosis.