Crown Lengthening

The "crown" is the part of a tooth visible above the gumline.  Sometimes more of the tooth below the gums must be exposed to fill a cavity near the gumline or when placing a new crown on a broken tooth.

Crown Lengthening is a surgical procedure that recontours the gum tissue and often the underlying bone surrounding one or more teeth so that an adequate amount of healthy tooth is exposed.  Crown lengthening is often used as part of a treatment plan for a tooth that is to be fitted with a crown. 

This procedure provides the necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, preventing the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone.

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  A cavity is below the gum line preventing it from being filled easily.
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  The periodontist gently opens the area.
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  He then contours the bone to lower the gum line.
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  The bone has been lowered which will lower the level of the gum when it heals.
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  The area has been closed up and now the cavity is exposed and can be filled.
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  The cavity has been filled and the procedure is done.