Crown Lengthening

A dental crown lengthening procedure adjusts the gum and bone levels to expose more of the tooth, allowing it to be restored effectively. This is done by reshaping the gum tissue, and sometimes the bone, to reveal more of the tooth’s surface for a crown. The procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete. Crown lengthening is recommended when there isn’t enough visible tooth structure to securely hold a crown, which can occur with broken or decayed teeth.

Before the treatment, a professional tooth cleaning will be performed. During the procedure, we will carefully reduce gum tissue and, if necessary, shave down some bone to expose more of the tooth above the gumline. This procedure is also suitable for patients seeking to improve a “gummy” smile, helping to achieve a more proportionate appearance.

A temporary crown will be placed before the procedure to protect the tooth and ensure a better fit for the final crown. Your periodontist will review your medical history and discuss any medications you may be taking. The crown lengthening procedure is outpatient, meaning you can go home the same day. The length of the procedure depends on how many teeth are involved. If you have temporary crowns on neighbouring teeth, they will be removed before the procedure and replaced afterwards.