The "crown" is the part of a tooth visible above the gumline. Sometimes more of the tooth below the gums must be exposed to fill a cavity near the gumline or place a new crown on a broken tooth. "Crown lengthening" provides more tooth structure for this to to be done. This helps to ensure that the general dental procedure is successful and prevents gum irritation.
Procedure: The periodontist administers a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of your natural tooth.
 |
 |
| A cavity is below the gum line preventing it from being filled easily. | The periodontist gently opens the area. |
 |
|
| He then contours the bone to lower the gum line. | The bone has been lowered which will lower the level of the gum when it heals. |
 |
 |
| The area has been closed up and now the cavity is exposed and can be filled. | The cavity has been filled and the procedure is done. |