Functional Crown Lengthening

Functional Crown lengthening (or crown exposure) is required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration that extends too far below the gum tissue. This may have occurred from a crack or fracture in the tooth, or from decay extending under the gum line.

Sometimes a cracked, fractured, or severly decayed tooth can not be saved. These non-salvageable teeth may be best replaced with dental implants.

If needed sedation can be used to keep you comfortable and relaxed.

Functional crown lengthening is commonly completed with a laser to decrease discomfort and speed healing.

What does functional crown lengthening do?

The procedure involves adjusting the level of the gum tissue and bone around a tooth/ teeth to create a new gum-to-tooth relationship.This provides access to solid tooth structure to ensure the proper fit of new restoration(s) (crowns and/ or bridges) to the tooth/ teeth. This prevents bacteria from leaking under the crown and improves the periodontal health around the restoration. This procedure gives you better access to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease. It will also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration(s) should not become loose in the future. Overall this procedure increases the success of the restoration(s).

What is the functional crown lengthening procedure like?    

With both esthetic and functional crown lengthening, dissolvable sutures and a protective bandage may be placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. The procedure takes approximately one hour and dramatically increases the success of your crown(s) and bridge. You will have a follow up appointment in 14-21 days to remove any remaining sutures and evaluate your healing. If you are having a new restoration (crown or bridge) fabricated, it can usually be placed 4 - 8 weeks after the procedure.