Although many people appear to have “short teeth” giving them a gummy smile, they may actually have teeth of the proper length that are simply covered by an excess of gum tissue. This can easily be corrected by a periodontal plastic surgical procedure called crown lengthening. In this procedure Dr. Horowitz will reshape the excess gum for one or more teeth to expose the proper length of tooth to create a beautiful and natural looking smile.
Crown lengthening may also be required when your tooth needs a new crown/restoration, or if decay extends underneath the gum line. Crown lengthening is indicated when the edge of a needed restoration is located too close to or under the gum and sufficient tooth structure is not available for the proper placement of that restoration.
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.
Crown lengthening provides a number of benefits
It will expose the proper amount of tooth to achieve an esthetic result
It will allow your dentist to reach the hidden edge of your tooth ensuring a proper fit of the new crown/restoration to your tooth
It will provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future
It will allow you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss helping to prevent decay and gum disease
