Crown Lengthening

This is an oral surgery that is often necessary due to advanced decay or fracture of the tooth destroying so much tooth structure that there is not enough left for your dentist to restore it with a properly fitted filling or cap. The crown lengthening surgery performs a controlled recession of the gum tissue to expose sufficient tooth structure for it to be restored. It usually heals sufficiently so that it is comfortable within a week. It is usually ready to restore within four to six weeks after treatment.

Crown lengthening can also be performed as a cosmetic procedure to make short teeth longer and more pleasing in appearance, or to treat a ‘gummy smile’.