Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed to expose an adequate amount of tooth structure in preparation for placing a crown(s) on a tooth or teeth. This procedure allows the general dentist to place a biologically compatible restoration, thus diminishing the chance of periodontal problems around the crown(s) in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent gum disease. The crown extension procedure can often enhance esthetics when performed in the upper front area.
The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia. Small incisions are made to separate the gums from the teeth. Then in some cases, a small amount of reshaping of bone will be necessary for the crown to fit properly.
