Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening (or crown exposure) is required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration that is deep under the gum and many times under the bone. Surgical exposure of the tooth makes proper crown fitting possible.
This procedure involves adjusting the level of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to-tooth relationship. This allows your restorative dentist to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It will also provide adequate 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 future decay and gum disease. The procedure takes approximately one hour.
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 two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing. Crown fabrication can begin shortly thereafter.