CROWN LENGTHENING
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Teeth often fracture or have cavities below the gum line. This makes it very difficult or impossible to place a restoration that will properly seal the tooth. Forcing a restoration way under the gum line can result in bone loss and painful gums. Ideally, fillings or crowns should be at the gum line or slightly above the gun line.
A crown lengthening surgical procedure adjusts the height of the gum and bone tissue to allow the dentist more access and better visibility to the area of decay or fracture. Your dentist can then place a restoration or crown that fits properly. The crown lengthening procedure will result in a slightly longer tooth which will have better retention to hold a crown.
The Procedure
After the surgical area is numb, the gums are gently pulled back from the tooth or teeth and excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. Dissolvable sutures are placed which will hold the gum tissue in the new, desired position. Six to eight weeks later, the tooth can be restored by your dentist.
