Periodontal Care
Crown Lengthening in Fullerton, CA
Exposing more tooth so a restoration can hold securely.
When a tooth is broken or decayed near the gum line, there may not be enough of it above the gum for a crown. Crown lengthening creates that room.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum, and sometimes a small amount of bone, to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It is most often done when a tooth has broken or decayed at or below the gum line, leaving too little tooth showing to hold a crown or filling securely. By exposing more healthy tooth, the restoration can be placed with a good seal and fit. The same procedure can also be used cosmetically to lengthen teeth that look short because of excess gum. We plan the procedure together with the restoration that follows it.
When Crown Lengthening May Help
Common reasons to expose more of a tooth.
- Before a Crown To expose enough tooth for a crown to hold securely.
- Broken or Decayed Teeth When damage extends to or below the gum line.
- Short-Looking Teeth To lengthen teeth hidden by excess gum.
How the Procedure Works
The area is numbed with local anesthetic. The gum is reshaped, and if needed a small amount of bone is smoothed, to expose more tooth. The gums are given time to heal before the final crown or filling is placed.
What to Expect
- A plan that includes the final restoration
- Local anesthetic for comfort
- Gentle-care instructions while you heal
- A healing period before the crown
Related Treatment
Crown lengthening usually comes before a crown. For a purely cosmetic change, see gum contouring.
The short answer
Crown lengthening reshapes the gum, and sometimes a small amount of bone, to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It is most often done when a tooth has broken or decayed at or below the gum line, leaving too little tooth showing to hold a crown or filling securely, and it can also lengthen teeth that look short because of excess gum. The gums heal before the final restoration is placed, and both steps are planned together.
Crown Lengthening FAQ
- Why would I need crown lengthening?
- It is most often needed when a tooth has broken or decayed near the gum line. There may not be enough tooth showing to hold a crown securely. Crown lengthening exposes more healthy tooth.
- What does the procedure involve?
- The gum is reshaped, and sometimes a small amount of bone is smoothed, to expose more tooth. The area is numbed with local anesthetic. You go home with gentle-care instructions.
- When is the crown placed?
- The gums are given time to heal before the final crown or filling goes on. Healing time varies from case to case. We plan the crown lengthening and the restoration together.
- Can crown lengthening be cosmetic?
- Yes. It can lengthen teeth that look short because of excess gum. For changes that only involve the gum, gum contouring may be suitable instead.
Insurance & Financing
Benefits and participation vary by plan. Please contact our office so we can help you verify your coverage and understand your options before treatment.
CareCredit and Cherry are available. Terms and approval are set by each provider.