Gum Care
Crown Lengthening in Gladstone
More of the tooth, for a stronger restoration.
Sometimes a tooth needs a crown, but there is not enough of it showing above the gums to hold one securely. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level so the tooth can be restored properly.
Exceptional Dentistry in Gladstone, MO
What is crown lengthening?
The part of a tooth you can see above the gums is called the clinical crown, and a dental restoration needs enough of that surface to grip. When a tooth has broken near the gumline or has decay that extends below it, there may not be enough exposed structure for a crown or filling to seal well. Crown lengthening reshapes the gum tissue, and when needed a small amount of the supporting bone, so more of the tooth is available to work with. The same procedure can also be done for cosmetic reasons when extra gum tissue makes healthy teeth look short. Either way, the goal is a tooth that can be restored securely and a gumline that is healthy and easy to clean.
Two reasons
Functional and cosmetic crown lengthening
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To support a restoration
Exposing more of a broken or decayed tooth gives Dental Crowns and fillings a sturdier surface to hold onto.
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To reveal more of the tooth
When teeth look short because the gums cover too much of them, lengthening can show more of each tooth, much like gum contouring.
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To protect the gums
A restoration that sits too close to the bone can irritate the gums. Creating the right amount of space helps the tissue stay healthy around it.
Why choose Marx Family Dental for crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is usually one step in restoring a tooth, not the whole story. We plan it with the final restoration in mind, so the gumline, the tooth and the crown that follows all work together.
New patient special
$98
A $308 value for your first visit
Visiting us for the first time? Our new patient offer includes:
- Comprehensive exam
- Panoramic X-rays
- Bitewing digital X-rays
- Intraoral photos
- Smile evaluation
- Full gum evaluation
- Oral cancer screening
- TMJ and bite evaluation
- Review of your treatment options
- A written treatment plan
Your procedure, step by step
Your dentist reviews X-rays and examines the tooth before recommending treatment.
- The area around the tooth is numbed
- Gum tissue is gently reshaped to expose more of the tooth
- If needed, a small amount of bone is smoothed to create room for healthy gums
- The gums are closed or protected so they can heal around the new shape
- Once the area has healed, the tooth is ready for its permanent restoration
Book your visit
Get a plan for your tooth
If you have a broken tooth or have been told there is not enough tooth for a crown, schedule an exam. We’ll explain whether crown lengthening, a gingivectomy or another option is the right fit.
The short answer
Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes gum tissue, and sometimes a small amount of bone, to expose more of a tooth’s surface. After the area is numbed, the gum is gently reshaped, any needed bone is smoothed, and the gums are closed or protected so they can heal around the new shape. It is used to give a crown or filling enough tooth to hold onto when a tooth is broken or decayed near the gumline, or to reveal teeth that look short because of extra gum tissue.
Crown Lengthening FAQ
- Why do I need crown lengthening before a crown?
- A crown needs enough tooth structure above the gums to hold on securely and seal properly. If a tooth is broken or decayed near the gumline, there may not be enough exposed surface for that seal. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth so the crown has a sturdier surface to grip. It also leaves room for the gums, since a restoration that sits too close to the bone can irritate them.
- Is crown lengthening the same as gum contouring?
- They are related, but not the same. Gum contouring reshapes gum tissue for appearance, while crown lengthening may also reshape bone. Crown lengthening is often done to prepare a tooth for a restoration, though it can also reveal teeth that look short. Your dentist will explain which procedure fits your goals after an exam.
- Will the area be numbed?
- Yes, the tooth and surrounding gums are numbed before treatment begins. Your dentist reviews X-rays and examines the tooth before recommending the procedure. Once the area is numb, the gum tissue is gently reshaped to expose more of the tooth. You may feel pressure during treatment, and your dentist will check in with you as they work.
- When will my permanent crown be placed?
- The final crown is placed once the gums have healed around their new shape. The gums need time to settle first, so the crown can be made to fit the new gumline. Your dentist will let you know when the tooth is ready for its final restoration. Planning the procedure with the final restoration in mind helps the gumline, the tooth and the crown work together.
Your dentist
Meet Dr. Emily Marx
A skilled family dentist, Dr. Marx is passionate about helping patients feel comfortable while achieving their best smile. Meet Dr. Marx
