8115 Preston Road, Suite 655 Dallas, Texas 75225

(214) 522-9700

Treatments

Functional Crown Lengthening

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When a tooth is too short or worn down for a proper restoration—like a dental crown or bridge—functional crown lengthening can help create the space needed to restore your tooth and preserve your long-term oral health.

At Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, our board-certified periodontists use this precise surgical procedure to gently reshape the gum tissue and, when necessary, the underlying bone around a tooth. This reveals more of the natural tooth structure, allowing your restorative dentist to place a secure and long-lasting crown or filling.

Why Might I Need Functional Crown Lengthening?

Sometimes, damage to a tooth extends below the gumline—whether from decay, trauma, or wear from clenching and grinding. In these cases, there simply may not be enough healthy tooth structure exposed above the gums to hold a crown or restoration securely.

Additionally, if a crown or restoration extends too far under your gum tissue, or too close to where the bone attaches to the tooth, this will cause inflammation and eventually bone loss or serious infection.

Crown lengthening solves this problem by exposing more of a tooth, allowing your dentist to properly restore it.

This procedure is often recommended when:

  • A tooth has broken near or under the gumline
  • There is deep decay that extends below the surface
  • There is not enough visible tooth structure to support a crown or other restoration
  • The edge of an old crown or filling is too close to the underlying bone, causing inflammation or discomfort

By adjusting the position of the gum and bone, we help ensure your new crown does not irritate the tissues or compromise your long-term comfort or function.

What Are the Benefits?

Functional crown lengthening is not just about creating room for a crown—it is about setting your smile up for long-term success. This procedure is often a key step in saving a natural tooth, avoiding extraction, and allowing your dentist to complete treatment with confidence.

Some of the key benefits include:

  • Making restorative treatment possible when there is limited visible tooth structure
  • Supporting a strong and stable fit for crowns or bridges
  • Reducing the risk of gum inflammation or infection around a restoration
  • Helping prevent future complications like crown failure or gum recession
  • Supporting your overall oral health by ensuring your restorations fit properly

What to Expect During the Procedure

Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia to ensure you do not feel any pain during the procedure. However, if you feel anxious or would prefer a deeper level of relaxation, we also offer several safe sedation options to keep you comfortable throughout treatment.

We begin with a comprehensive evaluation where we examine the teeth and gum tissue and the extent of any damage. We often need a 3D X-ray (CBCT) to see the exact relationship of the teeth to your bone. We will discuss the findings with you and your restorative dentist, to come up with the most predictable plan that is personalized for you. Here is how the procedure works:

  • After the area is thoroughly numb, we gently lift the gum tissue and, if needed, adjust the bone around the tooth to expose more of the tooth structure.
  • Once the proper height is achieved, the gum tissue is carefully repositioned and sutured into place.
  • We will provide detailed post-operative instructions, including how to keep the area clean and what to expect during the healing process.
  • Most patients are surprised at how straightforward this procedure is—and how quickly they are back to their regular routine.

What About Healing and Discomfort?

Some mild soreness or swelling is normal in the first few days after the procedure. You will be given personalized instructions for managing your recovery, including pain relief and diet tips. Most patients manage any discomfort with over-the-counter medication, but our team is always available if you need extra support or have questions during healing.

For non-esthetic areas, we usually wait 6-8 weeks for the area to fully heal before clearing you to return to your restorative dentist to complete the final restoration. For your front teeth, we may need to wait longer, as gum tissue heals at different rates for each patient, and it takes some time for everything to fully settle. This ensures that your crown fits comfortably and securely, with natural-looking results.

Schedule an Appointment

Need to prepare your tooth for a crown? Functional crown lengthening may be the key to unlocking a healthier, longer-lasting restoration. Our skilled periodontists and compassionate team at Park Cities Periodontics & Implant Dentistry are here to guide you every step of the way—with expert care and clear communication.

Call us today at 214-522-9700 to schedule your consultation or request an appointment online. We will help you move forward with confidence.

Call Us: (214) 522-9700 Message Us Online

Phone: (214) 522-9700

Fax: (214) 522-8181


Address: Preston Commons, East Tower

8115 Preston Road, Suite 655
Dallas, Texas 75225

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