Procedures
Crown Lengthening
In the section entitled “Perio To Improve Your Smile” we discussed esthetic crown lengthening. Crown lengthening is also done for functional reasons. Sometimes there is not enough tooth structure above the gum to properly restore a tooth. If a restoration is placed under these circumstances the gum can be permanently inflamed leading to bone loss and a crown may continually come uncemented. Crown lengthening is done to expose more tooth structure so that the restoration will be in harmony with the surrounding gum tissue.
Crown Lengthening
When a tooth fractures below the gum line, or if the previous restoration on the tooth ends below the gum line, crown lengthening is necessary. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth that is underneath the gum. This allows the dentist to place a new restoration that fits well and does not lead to bone loss.
This tooth had a large filling. A wall of the tooth broke off under the gum. It is impossible to place a crown since the edge of the tooth is now far under the gum tissue.
More of the tooth is exposed with crown lengthening. The dentist now has access to the edge of the tooth. This is essential as a new crown is to be placed.
Comfort and function has been restored with a new crown. By doing the job correctly the dentist has made a restoration that will provide good health for many years to come.