Surgical Periodontal Procedures

Functional Crown Lengthening

Functional crown lengthening is often required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration, but due to the position of, for example, decay or a fracture, the edge of the new restoration would be deep below the gum tissue and not accessible to your restoring dentist. Without the crown lengthening procedure in these cases, the surrounding tissues will be chronically inflammed due to improper spacing between the base of the restoration and the bone.

The procedure involves adjusting the level of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to-tooth relationship. This allows the restoring dentist the access needed to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It should also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration is less likely to become loose in the future. Finally, this procedure, which usually takes about an hour, will allow you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss, thereby preventing decay and gum disease.

When the procedure is completed, resorbable sutures, and occasionally a protective bandage are placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will need to be seen one or two weeks later for us to evaluate your healing and provide you with further instruction in oral hygiene. Also, we will advise you when to return to your restoring dentist to complete your restoration.