Crown Lengthening

The soft tissue (gums), as well as the underlying bone, form the foundation for superior aesthetics, function, and comfort of your teeth. Crown lengthening is generally performed in order to maintain healthy soft tissue and bone around teeth that require restoration.

You might be referred for a crown-lengthening procedure prior to restoration of a broken or severely decayed tooth (sometimes below the gumline). This is essential for the long-term success of a restored tooth.

Crown lengthening can also be used in aesthetic procedures that aim to correct a “gummy smile,” in which too much pink gum tissue hides the crown of the tooth. What characterizes a pleasant smile can vary from person to person, but it usually depends on how much gingiva and tooth are exposed.

To ensure a harmonious and successful long-term restoration, crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping bone and gum tissue. This procedure can be completed on a single tooth or multiple teeth, or the entire gum line, to arrive at a healthy, aesthetically pleasing smile.