The "Crown" in Crown Lengthening
When most people hear the word "crown" at the dentist, they picture the cap placed over a damaged tooth. That is one meaning. But "crown" also refers to any part of your natural tooth that sits above the gumline. Crown lengthening works with this second meaning: it is the procedure used to expose more of that natural tooth structure when not enough of it rises above the gums.
The procedure falls under the category of oral surgery and may be performed by a dentist, an oral surgeon, or a periodontist depending on your situation. It can be done on one tooth or several, based on what repairs or replacements will follow.
Why This Procedure Is Sometimes Necessary
A tooth can break off near or at the gumline because of an accident or decay. When that happens, there may not be enough tooth structure above the gums for an artificial crown or a filling to attach to securely. Trying to seat a crown on too small a foundation can lead to a poor fit, ongoing irritation, and a higher risk of further damage.
By removing a small amount of gum tissue and, in many cases, a bit of bone, we create a stable foundation. That makes it possible to place a permanent restoration that fits properly and functions the way it should.
What the Procedure Involves
The first step is gaining access to the tooth's structure. Small, precise cuts are made in the gum tissue so it can be gently pulled back, exposing the tooth root and the surrounding bone. If bone reshaping is needed, that is done at this stage. The area is then thoroughly cleaned and the gums are stitched back into their new position.
Local anesthesia keeps the entire area numb throughout the procedure. For those who feel anxious about dental treatment, there is also the possibility of discussing sedation options to help you stay relaxed - reach out to our team and we are glad to talk through what may work for you.
Healing and What Comes Next
After your crown lengthening, we will send you home with clear instructions for caring for the area, including how to clean around the incisions and brush your teeth while things heal. We will also recommend or prescribe appropriate pain management so you stay comfortable during recovery.
About a week after the procedure, you will return to our Rancho Mission Viejo office so we can remove the stitches and check on how the healing is progressing. Once your gums are fully healed, we will make arrangements to bring you in for your permanent dental crown.