The CEJ serves as the most important reference point on the tooth in the diagnosing of most, if not all, periodontal issues. The CEJ relative to the probing depths determines if periodontal disease bone loss or excessive pseudopockets exist. Even with the same probing depths, the treatment recommendations between these two types of “pockets” are completely different.
In restorative and esthetic treatment, pseudopockets make the clinical crowns short. This impacts access for crown preparations and then axial retention of crowns. It also covers up the clinical crowns making the teeth look short (like “baby teeth”), the result is a gummy smile.
With the recognition of the CEJ as part of any exam, it will guide proper diagnosis and then ideal therapy, whether to treat periodontal issues or achieve optimal crown and esthetic outcomes.
About the instructor
Core Instructors in the Dental Hygienist Experts project are Drs. Christopher J van Kesteren, and Eric Kerr. Combined, they bring a wealth of knowledge to your Continuing Education. We encourage you to click on their bios from the Home Page.
