Dental Specialists of
South Loop

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is usually performed to facilitate the restoration of a tooth, improved the health of the gums around a dental restoration that extends under the gumline, or correct a “gummy smile”. A “gummy smile” is used to describe an instance where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue resulting in a less esthetically-pleasing smile. The procedure involves reshaping or recontouring the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to–tooth relationship. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth, or the entire gum line. This is commonly referred to as esthetic crown lengthening or gingival recontouring.

Crown lengthening is often required when tooth needs a new crown or large restoration. If the edge of a restoration extends too far under the gum line, is not immediately accessible or approaches the level of the bone, inflammation can result. This inflammation can mimmick periodontal disease, resulting in pocket formation and destruction of the bone. In addition, decay can result from an individual’s inability to properly clean the area. Crown lengthening essentially repositions the gumline to make inaccessible restorations.

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South Loop Dental Specialists

850 South Wabash, Suite 240
Chicago, IL 60605

312-356-4700