Why Do I Need Crown Lengthening Treatment?

You’re likely familiar with dental crowns, tooth-shaped caps that fit over natural teeth for aesthetic or structural reasons. Dentists often recommend a dental crown when a tooth is cracked or broken or to finish a dental process, such as an implant. 

The crown is custom-made to match your natural teeth in color, shade, and shape so no one can tell the difference.

Sometimes, though, a little prep work is necessary if there isn’t enough tooth in place to hold the crown. That’s where crown lengthening comes in. It’s a procedure designed to expose more of your tooth so the crown can fit firmly in place.

We’ve performed this procedure many times for our patients at American Dental Clinic in San Diego, California. Here are three reasons why.

Restorative purposes

We often recommend crown lengthening when restoring a tooth to its normal function. If the tooth is severely damaged or decayed — or if it breaks off at the gum line — there may not be enough visible tooth for the crown to attach to.

During the crown lengthening procedure, Dr. Emmanuel Aguilar cuts away some of the gum to expose enough of the tooth to give the crown a solid foundation. He may also need to perform some minor reshaping of the bone beneath the gum so the gum stays attached.

Cosmetic reasons

Sometimes, patients ask for crown lengthening for purely cosmetic reasons. If you have excess gum tissue (commonly called a gummy smile), you may not like how it makes your teeth appear short even if they’re the proper length.

During the crown lengthening procedure, Dr. Aguilar can remove the overgrown tissue to reveal more of your natural teeth and create a more balanced smile.

Health benefits

Crown lengthening not only provides cosmetic and structural support, but the procedure can also improve your oral and overall health.

Crown lengthening makes cleaning between teeth much easier because the procedure creates better access for brushing and flossing. That improves your oral hygiene and minimizes the chance of bacterial accumulation and infection, often leading to gum disease.

The crown lengthening process at American Dental Clinic lasts about an hour, or longer if multiple teeth need treatment. Recovery usually takes a few weeks, during which time you may experience mild discomfort and swelling.

If you need crown lengthening or want to learn more about this treatment, call American Dental Clinic today or book your appointment online.