Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to assess the short- to mid-term restorative and periodontal outcome of deep margin elevation (DME) performed using resin composite.
Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight teeth treated with DME and indirect adhesive restorations were followed-up for a mean of 25.4 months (minimum: 12 months). Clinical and radiographic examination assessed the adaptation of the DME material and indirect restorations, presence of recurrent caries or discoloration, periodontal health at DME and non-DME sites, and periapical health.
Results: The overall success rate was 96.6%. One tooth showed signs and symptoms of apical pathology after 34 months following DME. No caries, discoloration, or periodontal pockets were detected in any of the treated teeth. DME had no detrimental effect on the gingival/periodontal health or plaque accumulation. There was no correlation between the distance from the DME material to the marginal bone level and pocket depth, gingival inflammation, and plaque accumulation (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Deep margin elevation might be considered a safe procedure for teeth with deep subgingival proximal caries in the short- and mid-term.
Keywords: subgingival margins, deep margin elevation, cervical margin relocation, restorative dentistry
