Posted on 6/16/2025 by Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Have you ever been told you need a crown but there isn't enough healthy tooth structure to support it? If so, your dentist may have recommended a crown lengthening procedure. This might sound intimidating, but don't worry! Let's delve into what crown lengthening is, when it's needed, and how it fits into your overall oral care journey.
What is Crown Lengthening? Imagine a crown like a hat for your tooth. Just like a hat needs a head to sit on, a crown needs enough healthy tooth structure to anchor it securely. Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum and bone tissue surrounding a tooth, exposing more of the healthy tooth surface. This creates the necessary space for a crown to be placed, ensuring its long-term success.
When is Crown Lengthening Necessary? There are several situations where crown lengthening may be necessary:
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Decay below the gum line: If decay extends below the gum line, a regular crown wouldn't reach the healthy tooth structure needed for proper support. Crown lengthening removes the gum tissue and some bone to expose more of the tooth, allowing for a properly fitting crown.
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Fractured tooth: When a tooth breaks below the gum line, crown lengthening can expose enough healthy tooth structure for a crown or other restoration.
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Uneven gum line: Sometimes, the gum line around a tooth is uneven, making it difficult to place a crown that fits seamlessly. Crown lengthening can reshape the gum line for a more aesthetically pleasing and functionally sound restoration.
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Insufficient tooth structure: In some cases, there simply isn't enough healthy tooth structure above the gum line to support a crown. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth, providing the necessary foundation for a successful restoration.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening Crown lengthening offers several benefits beyond allowing for crown placement:
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Improved oral hygiene: Exposing more tooth surface makes it easier to clean, reducing the risk of future decay and gum disease.
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Enhanced aesthetics: Crown lengthening can improve the appearance of your smile by creating a more symmetrical gum line.
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Long-term tooth preservation: By providing a strong foundation for a crown, crown lengthening helps to preserve the natural tooth structure for the long term.
Restoration Dentistry and Crown Lengthening Crown lengthening is often an integral part of restorative dentistry, which focuses on repairing damaged or missing teeth. By creating a healthy foundation for crowns, bridges, or other restorations, crown lengthening helps to ensure the success of these procedures and maintain the health and function of your smile.
Talk to Your Dentist If you've been told you need a crown but may require crown lengthening, don't hesitate to discuss it with your dentist. They can assess your individual situation, explain the procedure in detail, and answer any questions you may have. Remember, open communication with your dental team is key to making informed decisions about your oral health and achieving a healthy, beautiful smile you can be confident in.
Dental Blog | Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Allentown, PA Check out the dental blog that Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in Allentown, PA put together to educate our patients. Lehigh Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 1251 S Cedar Crest Blvd #311, Allentown, PA 18103, (610) 435-6161, lehighoms.com, 7/5/2025, Related Phrases: oral surgeon Allentown PA,
Have you ever been told you need a crown but there isn't enough healthy tooth structure to support it? If so, your dentist may have recommended a crown lengthening procedure. This might sound intimidating, but don't worry! Let's delve into what crown lengthening is, when it's needed, and how it fits into your overall oral care journey.