Periodontal procedures are available to lay the groundwork for restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the health and esthetics of your smile.

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that recontours the gum tissue and often the underlying bone surrounding one or more teeth so that an adequate amount of healthy tooth is exposed. Crown lengthening is often used as part of a treatment plan for a tooth that is to be fitted with a crown. This procedure provides the necessary space between the supporting bone and crown, preventing the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone.

Your dentist or periodontist may also recommend crown lengthening in order to make a restorative procedure possible. If a tooth is badly worn, decayed or fractured below the gum line, crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone levels to gain access to more of the tooth so it can be restored.

What are the benefits of this procedure?

Functional crown lengthening is an important part of an integrated effort to optimize your health, appearance, comfort and function. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health are your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

Common Questions

What is functional crown lengthening?

Some patients may have areas of a tooth that need to be restored but there is not enough tooth structure exposed above the gumline to place a dental crown in a conventional fashion. In these cases, it is necessary to uncover more of the tooth material in order to place the restoration, and this goal can be accomplished with functional crown lengthening.

In this procedure, the provider will remove gum tissue, as well as surrounding bone, if necessary, to reveal more tooth structure to place the dental crown. After enough tooth material has been exposed, the gums are stitched back together. This procedure is completed in our office, and the amount of time it will take depends on the patient’s unique circumstances. You will get specific instructions on how to care for your teeth in the days following the procedure. Follow these instructions closely to prevent complications like infection and call your provider if you have any concerning symptoms, such as persistent bleeding or fever.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap made from porcelain, metal or composite resins. It is bonded on top of a biological tooth as part of the process of restoring areas that have been damaged by decay or injury. Dental crowns are valuable because they can help save extensively damaged teeth from extraction. These restorations can be customized to match the shade of your biological teeth to blend with your smile.

Does functional crown lengthening hurt?

Your provider will use a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort during the procedure. As that anesthetic wears off, you may experience some mild discomfort. Your provider can prescribe painkillers to manage any pain that you may have, and that pain should subside within a day or two.

Will insurance cover functional crown lengthening?

Different insurance plans offer different levels of coverage, and our knowledgeable billing staff will work to maximize your benefits in order to minimize your out-of-pocket expenses for this important treatment. The patient may still have some financial responsibility for the treatment, and we accept a variety of payment forms and can connect you with low-interest financing plans if you choose that option.