Dental crowns are used for a wide range of reasons, from strengthening damaged teeth to enhancing the appearance of your smile. These tooth-shaped caps fit over your natural teeth and restore their function, shape, and structure. Sometimes, before a crown can be placed, a separate procedure called crown lengthening is necessary. If your dentist has mentioned this procedure and you’re wondering what it is, read on to learn more about what the procedure involves.
Why Might Someone Need a Crown?
Crowns are commonly used to restore cracked, broken, or misshapen teeth. They help protect weakened teeth from further damage and restore a person’s bite. Dentists also use crowns in other treatments, like bridges, root canals, and implants, where a secure, stable structure is needed.
To properly function, a crown must be placed over enough of the existing tooth structure. If too much of the tooth is hidden below the gums, whether due to natural anatomy, damage, or decay, a crown may not fit properly. That’s when crown lengthening becomes necessary.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a routine outpatient procedure in which the dentist adjusts the gum tissue around a tooth to expose more of its surface. This gives the dentist enough space to place the crown securely.
The procedure is typically done in the dentist’s office under local anesthesia, and it usually takes less than an hour. During the procedure, small incisions are made in the gum tissue around the affected tooth to lower the gumline. If needed, a small amount of bone may also be removed to fully expose enough of the tooth. Once the desired amount of tooth is visible, the area is cleaned and sutured.
This adjustment not only makes it possible to place a crown but also helps ensure that oral hygiene around the crown is easier to maintain and that the restoration fits properly and comfortably.
Is It Always for Restorative Work?
While crown lengthening is most commonly used to prepare for restorative procedures, some people choose it for cosmetic reasons. If your smile shows a lot of gum and very little tooth, your dentist may recommend crown lengthening to reshape the gumline and reveal more of the tooth’s surface.
Is This Procedure Right for You?
If your dentist has said you need a crown, there’s a chance crown lengthening may be part of the process. Whether it’s for a crown that won’t fit properly or to improve the aesthetics of your smile, your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, and overall oral health to decide if this procedure is necessary. If they determine that a crown lengthening procedure is necessary, they will discuss what it means for you and schedule it.
What’s the Next Step?
The best way to know if crown lengthening is right for you is to speak with your dentist. They can walk you through your treatment plan, explain the procedure in more detail, and help you decide on the best approach for your needs.