Periodontics

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening (or esthetic crown lengthening - see Periodontal Plastic Surgery) is sometimes needed if a tooth develops decay or a fracture extending below the gum level. Often, your restorative dentist will be unable to properly and safely restore a tooth if there is extensive tooth structure loss. On occasion they may recommend removal of the tooth and replacement, with a bridge or implant-supported crown. In many cases, though, teeth with fractures or decay can be successfully restored (and retained for many years) if your dentist has adequate access to remove decay and place a restoration (filling or crown) on the tooth.

To make this possible, Dr. Nattkemper utilizes either the soft tissue laser or precise flap surgical techniques to adjust the gum (and if necessary in cases where there is more extensive decay or fracture) bone contour adjacent to the affected are of the tooth. In some cases, the gum contour will purposely be placed lower on the tooth, exposing the area of tooth structure loss for your dentist to restore. In many cases though, changes in soft tissue profile following crown lengthening surgery will be fairly subtle - most of what is done being below the gum. Through use of retraction cord (a tiny string that helps push the gum away from the tooth for the period of time that your dentist is finalizing their preparation of your tooth and taking impressions), only small changes (if any) are noticeable following precise crown lengthening and proper restoration.

Crown lengthening someitmes requires no sutures or special care, particularly if the laser is used. In most cases for posterior (back) teeth, sutures will be placed, and a softer diet is appropriate for the first few days.