What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure performed when there isn’t enough visible tooth structure above the gum line to properly support a crown or other restoration. If a tooth is broken, cracked below the gum line, or has a deep cavity that extends under the gums, crown lengthening can help by exposing more of the tooth surface.
To do this, your dentist or periodontist gently removes and reshapes a small amount of gum tissue and sometimes bone around the affected tooth. This gives the dentist better access to the tooth for accurate restoration and helps ensure a secure, long-lasting fit for your crown.
Crown lengthening may also improve the health of the gum tissue and make it easier to keep the area clean, which is important for long-term success.
Key Points:
- Creates more space above the gum line so a crown can fit securely
- Used when teeth are broken near the gum or have deep decay
- May involve removing gum and bone to reveal more of the natural tooth
- Improves gum health and helps prevent future issues with decay or infection
- Not always needed for every crown—only when there’s limited tooth structure
- One-time procedure with long-term benefits for the restoration and gum tissue
