Evaluation of the Marginal Location and Periodontal Health in Crowns and Bridges – A Patient Preference Based Study

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper was to evaluate the marginal location preference and periodontal health in extra coronal restoration of anterior and posterior teeth. METHODOLOGY: In this prospective case control study, a total of 652 patients who had crown and bridge for not less than six months were included. The gingival margin location preference and reasons behind choosing a particular gingival margin was asked from the patients. Additionally, the teeth with and without restoration were also examined for periodontal health. Split mouth technique was used as unrestored, healthy contra lateral teeth in the same individual served as controls. Descriptive statistics and Chi square test were used for analysis to formulate the results. RESULTS: Ironically, 92% patients were not given a chance by their dentist to give input about margin location preference. The majority of patients preferred equi gingival margin for their anterior crowns 495 (75.92%) and supra gingival margin 586 (89.87%) for their posterior teeth, with esthetics 547 (83.89%) and hygiene 599 (91.87%) respectively being the most common reasons for selecting the particular margin location. The clinical examination revealed that supra gingival and equi gingival margins demonstrated superior gingival health indices as compared to subgingival margins CONCLUSION: This study concluded that the supra gingival and equi gingival margins demonstrated superior gingival health indices as compared to subgingival margin and in order to achieve optimal periodontal health and patient satisfaction the health professionals should wisely consider the margin location and involve the patient in treatment decisions wherever possible. KEY WORDS: Crown and Bridge, Margin location, Patient preference, Periodontal Health.