Crown lengthening is a transformative periodontal surgery performed primarily by periodontists Cranbook—specialists in gum health. Whether you're preparing for crowns or veneers, correcting a gummy smile, or dealing with decay below the gum line, understanding this procedure is crucial. In Cranbrook and across British Columbia, crown lengthening is an essential step for both functional and aesthetic dental outcomes. Here's a detailed breakdown.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure designed to expose more of a tooth’s structure by removing gum and sometimes bone tissue. It can be performed on a single tooth or multiple teeth, depending on your needs.
Traditional crown lengthening involves making small incisions, lifting a gum flap, and reshaping tissue and bone. Laser-assisted options offer less bleeding and swelling but may not be suitable when bone removal is necessary.
Periodontists Cranbook bring targeted expertise in managing gum disease, bone structure, and biologic width—the critical zone of gum tissue attachment. Their training ensures both functional and aesthetic success.
Clinically, crown lengthening may be required for access to deep cavities, fractures, or restorative margins. Aesthetically, it addresses a gummy smile where excessive gum hides your teeth.
Restorative work needs at least 3 mm of exposed tooth to support the crown edge and respect biologic width. Without it, restorations can fail due to tension or infection.
A gummy smile—where gums cover more than 2 mm of tooth length—can be transformed through crown lengthening, revealing a more balanced smile.
If a tooth breaks near or below the gum, crown lengthening exposes enough structure to restore it, saving the natural tooth.
Decay beneath the gum line is hard to treat without proper access. Crown lengthening opens the area for thorough cleaning and restoration.
Your periodontist, Cranbrook, will conduct a comprehensive exam, take digital radiographs, and assess gum thickness and bone levels. A clear plan—including surgical vs. laser—will be discussed.
Under local anesthesia, small incisions are made to lift a tissue flap, exposing the tooth and bone.
To maintain biologic width, underlying bone may be removed or reshaped using burs or chisels. This ensures restorations won’t impinge on tissue.
The flap is repositioned and sutured. A protective dressing may be applied to support healing.
Single-tooth surgeries typically take about an hour; multiple teeth or bone removal can extend this. Laser procedures may be quicker but differ in technique.
Gum tissue usually heals within 7–14 days, while bone remodels over months. Complete periodontal stabilization may take up to six months.
Expect swelling and discomfort. Your periodontist will provide guidelines on rest, head elevation, and avoiding pressure on the area.
Prescriptions or OTC NSAIDs help manage pain. Cold compresses can reduce swelling.
Stick to soft foods and avoid using straws. Gently brush unaffected areas and rinse with salt water as directed.
Restorative treatments typically begin after 4–6 weeks. Complex cases may take up to three months to completely heal.
Proper exposure enables secure margins for restorations and minimizes risk of failure.
By respecting biologic width and enhancing structural support, crown lengthening reduces inflammation and increases longevity.
For gummy smile patients, contouring the gum reveals more tooth structure and harmonizes your smile.
Exposed tooth surfaces are easier to clean, lowering plaque accumulation and periodontal issues.
Allows precise shaping and placement of restorations without encroaching on tissue.
Look for signs like subg‑lining decay, insufficient tooth exposure, or excessive gum coverage affecting appearance.
Those needing crowns or veneers benefit from functional crown lengthening to protect their investment.
Crown lengthening addresses gummy smiles and asymmetry, significantly boosting aesthetics.
Smokers, patients with uncontrolled diabetes, or those with root proximity issues may face complications. Discuss these with your periodontist.
Complexity, tooth count, and bone involvement are key cost drivers.
Restorative-driven crown lengthening is more likely to be covered by insurance than purely cosmetic procedures. Policies vary, so check with your provider.
Avoiding restoration failure, repeat treatments, or extractions can save significant costs in the long run.
This non-surgical option uses braces to reposition the tooth, preserving bone. It takes longer and requires orthodontic compliance.
For small irregularities or chip coverage above the gum, composite bonding may be a less invasive option.
Effective for soft tissue-only reshaping; ideal for mild gummy smiles but does not address bone, risking relapse.
Their in-depth training in periodontal health ensures precision in managing tissue, bone, and biologic width—essential for long-term success.
Seamless communication between your dentist and periodontist, Cranbook ensures crown margins are placed with precision and allow optimal healing before final restorations.