This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

When is Crown Lengthening Required?


A crown lengthening is a special procedure that is used to adjust the gum tissues around one tooth or several teeth to expose more of the crown structure. Our dentist in Santa Clara may recommend a crown lengthening procedure for several reasons, including:

•    Decay below the gum line
When decay forms below the gum line, it can be difficult to reach and treat properly. Adjusting the gum tissues can help us better reach and address this problem and reduce the risk of further damage to that tooth.

•    A tooth that has broken off near the gumline
Exposing more of the crown can help us better restore the tooth. In many cases, we can use a porcelain crown to restore the damaged tooth and avoid the need for extraction.

•    Cosmetic purposes
A gummy smile can detract from the natural beauty of your smile. Removing excess tissue exposes more of your teeth for a more attractive smile.

The crown lengthening can usually be performed under local anesthetic during a single appointment, and the gum tissues will be allowed to heal before the permanent restoration is placed. Contact our office today to find out more or to schedule your appointment with our expert in crown lengthening in Santa Clara.


The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Roseville