Crown Lengthening

Reasons for Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is performed in order to improve the health of the gum tissue, or to prepare the mouth for crowns. In addition, crown lengthening procedures can also be used to correct a “gummy” smile, where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue. Crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping bone and gum tissue. This treatment can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth or the entire gum line.

Types of Crown Lengthening
  • Functional Crown Lengthening is restoration of damaged teeth
  • Esthetic Crown Lengthening is a procedure used to expose crowns that are under the gum tissue. This is a procedure used to correct a “gummy smile”. During this procedure bone and tissue are removed to the level of the root and crown connection (CEJ). This provides a natural appearance of teeth. Often times no further restorative treatment is necessary. Crown lengthening is also used esthetically to lengthen the teeth for the placement of veneers.
  • Dental crowns – Crown lengthening serves to provide more space between the supporting jawbone and dental crown. This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once it is in place.
Before & After Example

 

Pre Surgery

Post Surgery