Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a common procedure that is routinely performed to re-contour gum tissue and bone, as needed, with the intent of making more tooth structure available for the placement of a dental crown or bridge. This procedure is often necessary when a tooth is decayed or damaged below the gum line, requiring access to healthy tooth structure to ensure a proper fit and seal for the restoration.

Alternatively, crown lengthening can also be performed for purely aesthetic reasons, such as reducing the appearance of a "gummy smile." This occurs when too much of the gums and far too little tooth structure are displayed when smiling. The procedure can be done on a single tooth to make the gum line even with other teeth or on several teeth to improve the overall appearance of the smile.

Crown lengthening provides sufficient tooth structure for placing a crown or bridge, enhances the appearance of a "gummy smile" for a more balanced look, improves the evenness of the gum line for a harmonious smile, and addresses both functional and aesthetic concerns simultaneously. The procedure involves careful reshaping of the gum tissue and, when necessary, the underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure.

Recovery from crown lengthening typically takes a few weeks, during which patients should follow post-operative care instructions to ensure proper healing. The results can dramatically improve both the function and appearance of the smile, making it an excellent option for patients who need restorative work or want to enhance their smile's aesthetics.