Crown Lengthening

Restoring Smiles, Enhancing Lives

Everything About

Crown Lengthening In Lincoln, CA

What Is Crown Lengthening?


Crown lengthening surgery entails the removal of gum tissue, bone, or both in order to reveal a greater portion of a tooth. This procedure is performed for both therapeutic and, at times, aesthetic purposes. This procedure is performed to expose more of the tooth’s structure, making it suitable for patients in need of a dental crown or for those who want to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile.

Why Crown Lengthening Maybe Necessary?


Crown lengthening is advised for numerous dental issues, including teeth that are too short, severe tooth decay below the gum line, or a broken or fractured tooth beneath the gum line.

When a tooth suffers extensive decay or breakage, the remaining healthy area diminishes, affecting the effectiveness of tooth restoration. Restorative dental appliances may struggle with limited surface area. Crown lengthening aims to enhance the success rate of these appliances by exposing more of the tooth’s healthy surface. With increased surface area, dental appliances are more likely to remain secure and avoid weakening or dislodging.

A frequent cosmetic issue arises when a “gummy smile” presents an imbalance between visible gums and teeth, often due to an overabundance of gum tissue concealing much of the tooth surfaces. By trimming the excess gum tissue, we can create a more balance appearance, preventing your teeth from seeming overly short and disproportionate. This enhancement not only elevates your smile’s aesthetics but also mitigates oral health risks such as gum disease.

3 Reasons You Might Need A Crown Lengthening Procedure

  • Your tooth might have fractured at the level of the gums
  • The gumline covers too much of your tooth, preventing the necessary restorative treatment
  • The structure of your tooth lacks the strength required for restoration

3 Reasons You Might Need A Crown Lengthening Procedure

  • Your tooth might have fractured at the level of the gums
  • The gumline covers too much of your tooth, preventing the necessary restorative treatment
  • The structure of your tooth lacks the strength required for restoration

How can we help you?

Frequently Asked Questions

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that involves reshaping the gum tissue and, in some cases, the underlying bone to expose more of a tooth’s surface. This procedure is typically done to prepare a tooth for a dental crown or other restorative treatments.
 
 

Crown lengthening may be necessary in the following situations:

  • A tooth has broken off near the gumline.
  • The gumline covers too much of the tooth, preventing proper restoration.
  • A tooth lacks sufficient structure for a crown or filling.
  • A crown or filling has fallen off, revealing decay underneath.
 
Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the area and minimizes discomfort during the procedure. Some post-operative soreness or swelling may occur, but your dentist will usually provide pain-relief recommendations to ensure your comfort.
 
 

The duration of the procedure depends on the number of teeth involved and whether bone removal is necessary. On average, crown lengthening takes about 1 to 2 hours.