A crown lengthening a procedure that is done when a new crown needs to be placed on a tooth, but there is inadequate tooth structure remaining for your dentist to make a well fitting crown, or if the crown margin will be located at or below the level of your tooth supporting bone.
The procedure involves adjusting the levels of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question, to create a new gum-to-tooth relationship. This allows us to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It should also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease.
When the procedure is completed, sutures and a protective “bandage” are placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing.
