Effect of Deep Margin Elevation on Marginal Integrity and Microleakage of Indirect Restorations

Abstract

Another conservative option has been suggested to replace surgical crown lengthening, Deep Margin Elevation (DME), which is to be used when indirect restorations necessitate subgingival margins. The technology is based on the movement of the cervicular margin towards a more supragingival position with the help of adhesive restorative materials, which would favour impressions-taking, adhesive bonding, and general clinical management. Recent data indicate that DME could maintain periodontal health, increase access to restoration, and enhance the marginal adaptation of the indirect restorations. Nevertheless, its influence on marginal integrity and microleakage is still an area of research, and the differences can be seen based on restorative materials, adhesive guidelines, and margin position. Laboratory and clinical research suggests that although DME is able to attain similar sealing capacity to conventional margins placement, some limitations including the inconsistency of the operator and adhesive system choice should be taken into consideration. This review examines the biological and clinical justification of DME and its impact on marginal integrity and the evidence on microleakage with an emphasis on clinical implications and future research.