Crown Lengthening

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Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is usually performed to improve the health of the gum tissue, prepare the mouth for a restorative procedure, or correct a “gummy smile”. A “gummy smile” is used to describe an instance where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue resulting in a less esthetically-pleasing smile.The procedure to correct this condition involves reshaping or recontouring the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to–tooth relationship. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth or along the entire jaw.

The procedure is sometimes required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. The edge of that restoration is deep below the gum tissue and not immediately accessible. It is also usually too close to the bone or below the bone.

Crown lengthening allows our Olympia periodontists to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It should also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease.

Crown lengthening takes approximately one hour but depends on the number of teeth involved and how much bony resection is necessary. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic and involves a series of small incisions around the tissue to separate the gums from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires the procedure, it may be necessary to adjust the surrounding teeth to create a more natural architecture.

When our Olympia periodontists are satisfied that the teeth have sufficient exposure and the procedure is completed, the incisions will be cleaned with sterile water. Various suturing techniques are employed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. Your teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing. The surgical site should be completely healed in approximately two to three months following the procedure.




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