Crownlengthening

Crownlengthening procedures are surgical procedures that recontour the gum tissue. and are divided into categories based on the whether the goal is for cosmetics or function. Prior to relocating to Central Illinois, Dr. Noraian taught this procedure to general dentists and graduate students in periodontics.

Functional Crownlengthening

When a tooth has decay or restorative margins that extend below the gumline, the restorative dentist faces these challenges:

• Placing the edge of a filling away from the jawbone. Dental restorations always have a seam where the filling material meets the tooth and this seam will hold some bacteria which may set the stage for gum disease. Keeping the seam away from the bone helps to fight gum disease and maintain the health of the supporting structures around the teeth.
• Capturing a clean edge to seal off the tooth. Getting the best seal makes the tooth less prone to recurrent decay and less likely to trap bacteria which may set the stage for gum disease to get started around an otherwise healthy tooth.
• Saving teeth. Teeth that are severely worn, severely decayed or severely fractured below the gumline require crownlengthening to adjust the gum and bone level to gain access so that the teeth can be restored.

Your dentist or periodontist may recommend crownlengthening for teeth that are treatment planned for crowns or fillings extending below the gumline or too close to the bone encroaching on the biologic width (the healthy space between the supporting bone and crown) so the new restoration avoids damaging the gum tissue and bone. Crownlengthening allows the restorative dentist to seal off the tooth, to keep the edge of the filling away from the bone, and to save the tooth.

Functional crownlengthening is an important part of an integrated effort to optimize your health, appearance, comfort and function. Within as little as a couple of weeks after crownlengthening, the final restoration may be started. A beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health are your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.

Cosmetic Crownlengthening

Some patients may have altered passive eruption, also known as a “gummy” smile. When teeth erupt in the mouth, it is similar to pulling a turtleneck over your head. Sometimes the turtleneck gets stuck on your nose, sometimes on your chin and sometimes on your neck. As your teeth erupt through the gum tissue, sometimes the gum tissue gets stuck on the crown and the teeth have shorter appearance.

By trimming the soft tissue around the teeth with altered passive eruption, your teeth will have a longer appearance and your smile will open up. A cosmetic crownlengthening helps brighten the smile and improve self-esteem.