In some situations, there may not be enough visible tooth structure to restore a damaged tooth successfully. Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the surrounding gum tissue and, where necessary, the supporting bone to expose more of the natural tooth before restorative treatment. It can also improve access for restorative procedures while helping create a healthy foundation for long-term treatment success.
If you've been advised that a tooth may require crown lengthening, or you'd like to understand your treatment options, we're here to help. At Ardent Orpington Dental Clinic, we'll assess your oral health, discuss your goals and recommend the most appropriate treatment for your individual needs.
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that exposes more of the visible tooth by adjusting the surrounding gum tissue. In some cases, a small amount of supporting bone may also need to be reshaped.
The procedure may be recommended for restorative reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a dental crown, or for cosmetic reasons where the appearance of the gums is a concern.
The most appropriate treatment depends on your oral health and clinical assessment.
Crown lengthening may be appropriate if:
We’ll assess your individual situation before recommending treatment.
We’ll examine your teeth and gums, discuss your treatment goals and determine whether crown lengthening is the most appropriate option. Dental X-rays may be taken where clinically indicated to assist with treatment planning.
Before the procedure, we’ll explain each stage of the treatment and prepare the area using local anaesthetic to help ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
The gum tissue is carefully reshaped and, where necessary, a small amount of supporting bone is adjusted to expose more of the natural tooth. The exact approach will depend on your individual treatment needs.
We’ll provide personalised aftercare instructions and monitor your healing during review appointments. Once the area has healed sufficiently, your planned restorative treatment, such as a dental crown, can be completed.
The procedure varies depending on the reason for treatment and the condition of the tooth.
In general, treatment may involve:
We’ll explain each stage before treatment begins so you know what to expect.
Healing is an important part of the treatment process.
Following your procedure, we’ll provide personalised advice, which may include:
Recovery varies depending on the extent of the procedure and your individual healing response.
Our highly trained dental professionals are passionate about delivering top-notch care tailored to your unique needs.
From general dentistry to cosmetic dentistry, we offer a wide range of treatments to suit all your dental requirements.
We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, ensuring that every visit is a stress-free experience.
Our clinic is equipped with advanced dental technology to provide precise diagnoses and effective treatments.
No. While crown lengthening is commonly recommended to prepare a tooth for restoration, it may also be used in other restorative situations or to improve the appearance of the gum line where clinically appropriate.
In many cases, yes. The healing period depends on the reason for treatment and your individual clinical situation. We’ll explain the expected timeline during your consultation.
In some cases, crown lengthening may be recommended to reshape excessive gum tissue and improve the balance between the teeth and gums. We’ll discuss whether this is suitable for your smile.
We’ll provide personalised aftercare instructions based on your treatment. Following these instructions and attending review appointments will help support the healing process.
