Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening (or crown exposure) is required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration (filling). The edge of that restoration is deep below the gum tissue and not accessible to your dentist to restore it properly. It is also usually too close to the bone or below the bone.

The procedure involves adjusting the levels of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question, to create a new gum–to–tooth relationship. This allows your dentist to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit of your new crown to the tooth. It also provides enough tooth structure so the new restoration should not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease. The procedure takes less than one hour.

When the procedure is completed, sutures and a protective “bandage” may be placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to evaluate your healing.