Diode Laser-Assisted Crown Lengthening For Interdisciplinary Rehabilitation of An Endodontically Treated Tooth: A Case Report

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation of endodontically treated teeth with inadequate remaining coronal tooth structure can be challenging when sufficient clinical crown height is unavailable for predictable restorative rehabilitation. Crown lengthening may be required to expose sound tooth structure while maintaining periodontal health and respecting the supracrestal tissue attachment. Diode lasers offer a precise approach for selected soft-tissue procedures, with the potential advantages of controlled tissue ablation and effective hemostasis.

Case Presentation: A 45-year-old female presented with an endodontically treated mandibular posterior tooth with severely compromised coronal tooth structure and inadequate clinical crown height for definitive restoration. Following interdisciplinary treatment planning, soft-tissue crown lengthening was performed using a 980-nm diode laser at 3 W in continuous-wave mode. No osseous resection was required. The procedure provided adequate exposure of sound coronal tooth structure for subsequent prosthodontic rehabilitation. Post-space preparation, metal post placement, staged provisionalization, and definitive metal crown rehabilitation were subsequently completed.

Conclusion: This case demonstrates the clinical application of 980-nm diode laser-assisted soft-tissue crown lengthening as part of an interdisciplinary approach to the rehabilitation of an endodontically treated tooth. Careful consideration of the supracrestal tissue attachment and preservation of periodontal tissues, combined with controlled soft-tissue management, can facilitate establishment of a favorable restorative environment. The case highlights the potential role of diode laser-assisted crown lengthening in selected cases requiring additional clinical crown height before definitive prosthodontic rehabilitation.