Crown
Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a procedure used when a tooth needs a crown – or another type of restoration – but the tooth surface needed to affix the restoration is inaccessible. This is usually because it is covered by gum tissue or it is below the bone or too close to it.
With crown lengthening, also called crown exposure, excess gum tissue and bone around the tooth is removed to expose more of the tooth, giving the doctor more surface to work with. This helps to ensure the proper fit for the restoration and provides a more stable structure so it will stay securely in place. Plus, it allows you to clean your crown more thoroughly through brushing and flossing to prevent decay and gum disease.
Crown lengthening is also used for cosmetic reasons to reduce a “gummy smile”. This occurs when teeth are partially covered with excess gum material, making them appear short even though they may be of normal length underneath the gum. For patients with gummy smiles, excess gum tissue may be reshaped or removed to create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
To book an appointment or learn more about crown lengthening and our team approach to patient care, please contact us at our Fayetteville office.