Do I Need Crown Lengthening?
If you have been told you might be a candidate for crown lengthening, you probably want to know why it is recommended, what it involves, and whether it is truly necessary for your situation.
Crown lengthening is a common periodontal procedure, but it is not something most people think about until their dentist suggests it. At its core, the procedure reshapes gum tissue in order to expose more of a tooth’s surface. This makes it easier to restore a damaged or decayed tooth, place a crown that fits securely, or improve the look of a “gummy” smile, where the appearance of the gums overwhelms the teeth themselves, making them appear shorter than would be ideal.
Why Crown Lengthening Is Done
The most common reason for crown lengthening is to create enough tooth structure above the gumline for a restoration to attach properly. When a tooth breaks close to the gum or decay reaches deep under the gumline, a dentist may not have enough surface area to work with. By gently removing some gum tissue (and sometimes a bit of the underlying bone), they can uncover more of the tooth so a crown, bridge, or filling can be securely placed.
It is also used for cosmetic purposes. If your teeth appear short or your smile shows a lot of gum tissue, crown lengthening can help create a more balanced appearance. This is sometimes called “gum contouring” and is done primarily for aesthetic improvement.
Who Is a Candidate?
Without enough exposed tooth structure, crowns or other restorations can fail prematurely. Crown lengthening ensures a secure fit, helps prevent decay from forming at the margin, and can make your smile look more even. It is an investment not only in function but also in aesthetics and long-term dental health.
However, not everyone with a broken tooth or excess gum tissue automatically needs crown lengthening. A good candidate for the procedure will be someone whose dental health would directly benefit from the operation, either functionally or cosmetically. Your dentist or periodontist will consider:
- the location and severity of the damage
- the health of the surrounding gum tissue and bone
- your overall oral health, including any signs of gum disease
- whether the tooth can be restored by other means
In some cases, other treatment options (like orthodontic tooth movement or crown build-up) may be possible. Crown lengthening, though, is often the first and best choice when there is minimal tooth structure above the gumline.
What to Expect
Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia in a dental or periodontal office. The dentist will make small incisions to gently move the gums away from the tooth. If bone reshaping is needed, it will be done carefully to ensure stability and comfort. After exposing the required amount of tooth, the gum tissue is repositioned and sutured.
Healing usually takes a few weeks, though it may be longer if bone was removed. Once the site is fully healed, your permanent restoration can be placed.
The Value of the Procedure
If your dentist has recommended crown lengthening, it is not a procedure to dismiss without consideration. It often provides the stability and space needed for a lasting restoration, and in cosmetic cases, it can transform the way your smile looks. A clear diagnosis, a skilled provider, and a good understanding of your options will help you make the right decision.