Crown Lengthening

A crown lengthening procedure is necessary when there is minimal tooth structure remaining above the gum line on a tooth that is treatment planned for a crown or bridge. The crown lengthening procedure involves a controlled lengthening of the tooth above the gum line. This is accomplished with an intentional receding of the gum and bone levels around the tooth, thereby lengthening the part of the tooth visible above the gum line. This lengthened tooth then becomes usable for building crowns or bridges.

Crown lengthening can also be used in conjunction with cosmetic dental treatments. In order to achieve the most esthetic looking result with a smile, there are standard proportions for tooth size and shape that must be observed. When the front teeth are too small or there is a significant amount of gum showing in full smile, a crown lengthening procedure can be performed to make the teeth look fuller and provide a more natural looking tooth and smile line.

Your dentist may recommend this very simple treatment in order to enhance the predictability of placing crowns and bridges as well as to enhance cosmetic dental treatments to achieve the best smile possible.