Functional Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is often required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. The edge of that restoration is too deep below the gum tissue and is too close to the bone or may be below the bone. A minimum amount of unprepared, healthy root must be available to the gum tissue to adhere between the bone and the margin or edge of the restoration for the gum and bone to remain healthy. Our dentist will sculpt the gum and bone tissue in a precise and sufficient manner to achieve the result that we need to provide the excellent restoration you are seeking. There is some effect on teeth adjacent to the focus of the crown exposure for restoration, so the impact on those adjacent teeth will be described to you prior to your surgery.
Crown lengthening or exposure may also be a periodontal plastic surgery procedure for esthetic purposes. Though occasionally the crowns of teeth covered by excess gum tissue can be exposed simply by removing the bulky portion of the gum through gingivectomy, more precise surgery is more commonly needed. The level of the bone is the primary dictating influence on the position of the gingiva, as the gum tissues attach to the bone. If marginal gum tissues are cut away without regard for bone close to the gum line, the gum tissue will try to grow back. If restorations have been placed using the estimated new gum line, they will cause a moderate to severe inflammatory reaction in the gum. The inflammation can be painful, red and unsightly and chronic, without anticipation of resolution without additional surgery. Very careful planning, precise communication and extended post-operative supervision are essential elements in achieving a pleasing, healthy outcome.