Crown Lengthening Can Restore Your Damaged Teeth

Posted on 6/15/2024 by Scholes Periodontics & Implants

Have you ever been told that a tooth needs to be extracted because there isn't enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a crown? This can be incredibly disheartening news, especially if the tooth in question is visible when you smile. Fortunately, there's often another option available: crown lengthening.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping the gum and bone tissue surrounding a tooth to expose more of the healthy tooth structure. This creates a stronger foundation for a crown, allowing you to keep your natural tooth and restore its function and appearance.

Why is Crown Lengthening Necessary?

There are several reasons why crown lengthening may be necessary:

•	Insufficient tooth structure: When a tooth has decayed or fractured, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a crown. Crown lengthening exposes more of the healthy tooth, providing a strong foundation for the crown.
•	Gummy smile: In some cases, a "gummy smile" can make the teeth appear short and stubby. Crown lengthening can reshape the gum tissue to reveal more of the teeth, creating a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
•	Uneven gum line: An uneven gum line can make it difficult to clean and maintain the teeth, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay. Crown lengthening can reshape the gum line, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene.

What to Expect During Crown Lengthening:

Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia in a dental office. The procedure usually takes about an hour, and most patients experience minimal discomfort afterward. During the procedure, the dentist will:

1.	Make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the underlying bone.
2.	Remove a small amount of bone tissue to expose more of the healthy tooth structure.
3.	Reshape the gum tissue and suture it back into place.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening:

Crown lengthening offers several benefits, including:

•	Preserves natural teeth: By creating a strong foundation for a crown, crown lengthening can help you avoid the need for tooth extraction and maintain your natural smile.
•	Improved oral health: Crown lengthening can make it easier to clean and maintain your teeth, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
•	Enhanced aesthetics: By exposing more of the healthy tooth structure, crown lengthening can create a more aesthetically pleasing smile, boosting your confidence.

Is Crown Lengthening Right for You?

If you have a damaged tooth that needs a crown but doesn't have enough healthy structure remaining, crown lengthening may be the best option for you. Talk to your dentist to discuss whether crown lengthening is a good choice for your specific situation.

Remember, maintaining good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups are essential for keeping your teeth healthy. If you have any concerns about your oral health, don't hesitate to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Scholes Periodontics & Implants in Chandler, AZ

Scholes Periodontics & Implants
Dr. Scholes
595 N Dobson Rd B#34
Chandler, AZ 85224

O: (480) 786-0940
F: (480) 786-5694

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Monday: 9AM–3PM
Tuesday: 7AM–4:30PM
Wednesday: 7AM–4PM
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Dental Blog | Chandler, AZ | Scholes Periodontics & Implants
Visit Our Dental Blog. Scholes Periodontics & Implants, in Chandler AZ, Specializes in Healthy Gums, Dental Implants, and Great Smiles. 602.900.1609. Call Us Today!
Scholes Periodontics and Implants, 595 N Dobson Rd #34, Chandler, AZ 85224 ~ (480) 786-0940 ~ scholesperio.com ~ 3/22/2025 ~ Tags: Dental Implants Chandler AZ ~