Crown Lengthening

Details

When Crown Lengthening Is Needed

To Make a Crown or Filling Possible

This is the most common reason. When a tooth is broken or decayed at or below the gumline, there isn’t enough solid tooth structure above the gum for a crown to grip. Crown lengthening reshapes a small amount of gum (and sometimes bone) to expose more of the tooth, so the restoration has something sound to hold onto and can be sealed properly. Without it, a crown placed on inadequate structure tends to fail.

For a Gummy Smile

Some people have teeth that look short because gum tissue covers more of them than average. Reshaping the gumline reveals more of the natural tooth and creates a more balanced smile.

What to Expect

The area is numbed completely. We carefully reshape the gum tissue — and where needed a small amount of bone — around the tooth, then place sutures. The appointment usually takes under an hour for a single tooth. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days is normal and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief.

Healing

Sutures come out in about a week. We typically allow several weeks for the gum to settle into its final position before taking the impression for your permanent crown, so the fit and appearance are right.