Procedures
Crown lengthening
Crown lengthening is a procedure that exposes more of a tooth by removing gum tissue and sometimes bone. It helps a dentist repair a tooth that is too short or broken below the gumline.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more tooth for restorative purposes by moving the gum margin and removing supporting bone. It involves contouring and reshaping the bone under your gums.
Your dentist may recommend crown lengthening when your tooth is too short to hold a crown, or when a cavity or filling sits below your gumline. A tooth that is broken at the gumline may also need it. Without enough tooth above the gum, a crown or filling may not stay in place.
See dental crown and gingivectomy. Your dentist can tell you whether the procedure fits your case after an exam.