Periodontal Surgery · Washington DC
Why Crown Lengthening
Why Crown Lengthening
A crown needs a minimum amount of healthy tooth structure above the gumline to hold properly. When decay, fracture, or wear extends too far below the gum, there is not enough tooth left to support a restoration. Crown lengthening solves this by repositioning the gum and bone to expose more tooth.
This procedure is also used cosmetically. Patients with a gummy smile who need both gum reshaping and bone adjustment benefit from crown lengthening, which addresses soft tissue and bone together.
The Procedure
X-rays and clinical exam determine how much gum and bone need to be adjusted to expose adequate tooth structure.
The area is completely numbed. Sedation options are available for patients who prefer it.
Excess gum tissue is removed and bone is recontoured to create the correct biological width for a healthy restoration margin.
The site heals over 6 to 8 weeks. Once healed, your restorative dentist places the permanent crown or veneer.
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