SURGICAL CARE
Crown Lengthening
Reshape gum and supporting tissue to expose more usable tooth structure for restorative or cosmetic care.
Crown lengthening adjusts the gum tissue and, when necessary, the bone beneath it, to expose more usable tooth structure — either to make a restoration possible or to refine the gumline cosmetically.
a smile made for you.
SURGICAL DENTISTRY
Crown Lengthening at Valencia Dental Office
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that adjusts the gumline and, when necessary, the underlying bone around a tooth. It may be performed to create enough accessible tooth structure for a crown or other restoration, or to improve selected gum-to-tooth proportions.
Because the procedure can involve tissue alone or tissue and bone together, the specific technique depends entirely on what your evaluation shows.
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
When to Schedule a Visit
Crown lengthening may be recommended when a tooth cannot be predictably restored because too little healthy tooth structure is exposed. It may also be considered for selected cosmetic gumline concerns.
- A tooth has broken at or below the gumline
- Decay extends close to or below the gum
- Your dentist has said a tooth cannot be restored without more exposed structure
- You are interested in improving a gummy smile before cosmetic treatment
WHY THIS PROCEDURE IS NEEDED
Restorative or Cosmetic Reasons
Crown lengthening is recommended for one of a couple of specific reasons.
Restorative need
A tooth cannot be predictably restored because too little healthy structure is exposed.
Cosmetic gumline concern
Selected patients pursue treatment to improve gum-to-tooth proportions.
Combined cases
Some patients have both a restorative need and a cosmetic interest addressed at once.
WHY MORE TOOTH IS NEEDED
Creating Room For a Restoration
- Insufficient tooth structureA tooth broken at or below the gumline may not have enough exposed structure to support a crown.
- Deep decay near the gumlineDecay that extends below the gum can be difficult to treat and seal without first exposing more of the tooth.
- Uneven gum-to-tooth proportionsSome patients pursue crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons, to improve a gummy appearance.
- Bone involvementSome cases require adjusting the bone beneath the gum, not just the tissue itself.
THE PROCEDURE
How Crown Lengthening Is Performed
- Numbing the areaLocal anesthetic keeps the area comfortable throughout.
- Repositioning the gum tissueGum tissue is carefully repositioned to expose more of the tooth.
- Reshaping bone if neededThe supporting bone may be reshaped when the case calls for it.
- Healing before restorationThe tissue is allowed to heal before any final restorative work is completed.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE
Healing Before The Final Restoration
Tissue typically needs time to heal and settle into its final position before a crown or other restoration is completed on the treated tooth.
Your dentist will let you know how long to expect before moving on to the next phase of treatment.
Crown Lengthening FAQ
- What does crown lengthening involve?
- Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that adjusts the gumline and, when necessary, the underlying bone around a tooth. It may be performed to create enough accessible tooth structure for a crown or other restoration, or to improve selected gum-to-tooth proportions.
- How do I know whether this treatment is appropriate for me?
- Crown lengthening may be recommended when a tooth cannot be predictably restored because too little healthy tooth structure is exposed. It may also be considered for selected cosmetic gumline concerns.
- What should I expect from the treatment process?
- After the area is numbed, the gum tissue is repositioned and the supporting bone may be reshaped when required. The tissues are then allowed to heal before final restorative work is completed.
- Does crown lengthening hurt?
- The area is numbed during the procedure, and any discomfort afterward is generally manageable with your dentist’s guidance.
- How long before I can get my crown after this procedure?
- The tissue needs time to heal first, and your dentist will let you know the expected timeline for your case.
- Is crown lengthening only done for restorative reasons?
- No, some patients pursue it for cosmetic reasons related to gum-to-tooth proportion.
- Will crown lengthening make my tooth look longer permanently?
- The exposed tooth structure remains visible after healing, which is part of why candidacy and goals are discussed carefully beforehand.
- Can more than one tooth be treated at once?
- Yes, treatment can be planned for a single tooth or a broader area, depending on your needs.
