Functional Crown Lengthening

Your dentist may request this procedure prior to the fabrication of a crown or the placement of a filling when decay occurs too far below the gum line or the tooth is broken beneath the gum. The procedure involves adjusting the levels of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question, to create a new gum-to–tooth relationship. This allows the general dentist 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.

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

Although your teeth appear short, they may actually be the proper length. The teeth may be covered with too much gum tissue. We can correct this by performing the periodontal plastic surgery procedure, cosmetic crown lengthening.

This is usually done to eliminate excessive displays of gum tissues (gummy smile) or create an environment that has symmetry between the right and left front teeth. It is also used to help develop proper proportions between the width and height of the teeth. Cosmetic crown lengthening can be done in conjunction with restorative dentistry or by itself as a way to improve the smile.

Case 1
Before	After	Before	After

Occasionally, a combination of gum grafting and crown lengthening procedures may be necessary to create the best esthetic result.

Case 2
Before	After	Before	After