Crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure to remove gum tissue and bone to expose more of a tooth.

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening exposes more of the visible part of a tooth by taking away gum tissue, and sometimes bone, from around the base.

A crown lengthening procedure can be used to improve a “gummy” smile where gum depth is disproportionate to the tooth. Where a tooth requiring a restoration such as a crown is broken below the gum line, a crown lengthening treatment may be needed.

What is the crown lengthening treatment?

If you require a crown lengthening procedure, the dental team will first review your medical history and dental X-rays.

A local anaesthetic is first used to numb the area to be treated. Excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of one or more teeth.

With a tooth below the gum line, the periodontist may need to remove some bone from around the base of the tooth to expose enough tooth to be able to prepare the crown.

After the procedure, your gums will be sutured, and a sterile bandage is applied. You will be asked to return to the practice after one or two weeks to evaluate the healing.

Your dentist will then inform you of the next stage of the restoration of your smile.

For more information regarding this treatment

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