Crown Lengthening
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure that is done to expose more surface of one or more teeth. The procedure can be done to improve the look of a "gummy" smile or as part of other restorative or cosmetic procedures. Crown lengthening reveals more of the natural tooth by reshaping or re-contouring bone and gum tissue. This treatment can be performed on a single tooth, several teeth, or the entire gum line, creating an aesthetically pleasing smile.
Why is Crown Lengthening needed?
The crown lengthening procedure may be needed for a variety of reasons. We will perform an examination to determine if and when you may need to have it done. Some of the most common reasons for needing crown lengthening include:
- Expose more tooth surface
- Improving the look of a "gummy" smile
- Improving fit of dental crowns
- Expose cavities underneath the gum line
- To help in orthodontic treatment
Who is a good candidate for Crown Lengthening?
Your general dentist may have requested us to perform this procedure to gain access and treat tooth decay under the gum line. Without this procedure, the cavity may not be completely removed, allowing it to continue and eventually destroy the entire tooth.
Another reason why someone may require crown lengthening is when a portion of the tooth or filling breaks off deep below the gum line. Crown lengthening can increase the surface area available to your dentist to place a proper restoration.
Without crown lengthening, a restoration may be weak or placed so deep under the gums that it may become a chronic source of inflammation, bleeding, and discomfort. Alternatively, you may benefit from crown lengthening if you have a gummy smile, short teeth, or uneven gum levels around some teeth.
What happens during the Crown Lengthening process?
We will consult with you first to determine if and when you may need to have it done. The crown lengthening procedure is done under local anesthesia similar to what you may have received for previous dental works at your general dentist office. We then work to carefully reshape the tissues around the teeth to expose the underlying surface of the tooth. This may be done for just one tooth at a time or for several teeth. The gums are allowed to heal in their new position and any further treatment is provided either during the appointment or at a later time. We will coordinate the sequence and timing of treatment with you and your dentist.