Crown Lengthening
Lengthening the crown to assist other treatment
When a tooth needs a restorative crown due to a fracture, wear, or decay, enough of the natural crown must be exposed to be able to place a restoration without cutting into the gum line and causing pain, irritation, or bleeding. Dr. Young can gently adjust the gum line around the teeth and resculpt the tooth surfaces as needed so restoration can be placed securely and without complications.
There are also times when a cavity forms partially or completely below the gum line. In this case, Dr. Young gently lengthens the natural crown to expose the cavity so it can be effectively treated.
Tooth exposure for orthodontics
Certain teeth, such as canines, sometimes fail to erupt (grow beyond the gum line) or properly move into their natural place in the dental arch. These teeth can be brought into their proper position with orthodontic treatment, but in order to do this, the crowns of these teeth need to be exposed first so that orthodontic brackets can be attached.
Dr. Young gently removes the gum tissue covering the crowns of the unerupted teeth so that the orthodontist can attach the brackets.
Fixing the Gummy smile
When the crowns of your teeth are covered by excess gum tissue, your teeth look small and your smile looks “gummy”. Gummy smiles are more than a cosmetic problem, as the overgrowth of gum tissue makes it harder to keep the teeth clean or treat any cavities or decay that may develop.
Dr. Young gently removes the excess tissue covering your tooth crowns and creates a natural-looking gum line.
