Crown lengthening (or crown exposure) is required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. The edge of that restoration is deep below the gum tissue and not accessible. It is also usually too close to the bone or below the bone. The procedure involves adjusting the levels of the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to-tooth relationship and ensure a proper fit to the tooth. This allows us 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 will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease. The procedure takes approximately one hour. When the procedure is completed, sutures are placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing.

When recession of the gums occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using gum grafting techniques is an option. A gum graft is designed to solve these problems by covering the exposed portion of the root.

The gum graft procedure is highly predictable and results in a stable healthy band of attached tissue around the tooth.

When recession of the gums occur, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When there is only minor recession, some healthy gum often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when recession reaches the mucosa, the first line of defense against bacterial penetration is lost.

In addition, gum recession often results in root sensitivity to hot and cold foods as well as an unsightly appearance to the gum and tooth. Gum recession, when significant, can predispose to worsening recession and expose the root surface, which is softer than enamel, leading to root caries and root gouging.