Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that purposely lengthens a tooth, by removing some of its bone and gum.

It may be carried out for either functional or esthetic reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.     Why would I need Crown Lengthening?

• Function: Crown lengthening is indicated if there is not enough healthy tooth structure above the gum. By changing the bone level and exposing more of the tooth structure, a tooth can be properly restored with a crown or other restoration.

• Esthetics: Crown lengthening (also referred to esthetic crown lengthening) may be indicated to improve a gummy smile of the front teeth. By changing the bone level around the teeth in question and subsequently changing the levels of the gums, an esthetic improvement is achieved.

2.     What are my risks associated with Crown Lengthening?

• Risks associated with local anesthetic, bleeding, bruising, swelling, and infection are all possible complications.

• Tooth sensitivity, exposure of adjacent tooth structure, exposure of restoration margins may also occur.

3.     What are my alternatives to Crown Lengthening?

• You may elect to remove the tooth that cannot be properly restored without crown lengthening. The tooth will then likely need to be replaced.

• An alternative to crown lengthening might be to orthodontically move the tooth into the mouth.

4.     What if I elect not to have Crown Lengthening?

• If you elect not to have crown lengthening for functional reasons, the result may be premature loss of the tooth.

• Crown lengthening may be necessary to achieve your esthetic objectives if the goal is to improve a gummy smile.