Crown Lengthening in Bradenton and Sarasota

A procedure that lengthens the crown of the tooth to expose more surface at the base of the tooth by removing excess gum tissue, is called a crown lengthening procedure.

Crown lengthening is performed for a variety of reasons including, cosmetic reasons, severe tooth decay, or broken and damaged teeth.

Expert Functional Crown Lengthening

The crown is the top part of your tooth that is visible above your gum line. There are times when some of the gum tissue around a crown needs to be removed to allow other corrective treatments to take place.

For example, a cavity under the gum line may need to be exposed so it can be filled. An orthodontist may need to have some gum tissue removed around teeth that have not yet erupted, so that orthodontic brackets can be placed on them. This is known as “functional crown lengthening.”

As periodontists, our doctors are highly skilled at functional crown lengthening. We can also use crown lengthening procedures to remove excess gum tissue that makes it difficult for you to clean your teeth.

Exposing the Crown To Assist Restorative Treatments

When a tooth needs a restorative dental crown due to decay, excessive wear or fracture, enough of the tooth needs to be exposed so the restoration can be placed without irritating the gum line. Drs. Ryan, Tyler, and Thomas Rubino can gently adjust the gum line with crown lengthening, and re-sculpt the tooth surfaces as needed so the restoration will fit securely, without complications, and will look better.

There are also times when a cavity forms partially or completely below the gum line. Your doctor will gently adjust the gum tissue to expose the cavity so it can be effectively treated.

Exposing The Crown for Orthodontic Treatment

Certain teeth, such as canines, occasionally fail to erupt through the gum line and move into their proper position on the dental arch. An orthodontist will need to have the crowns of such teeth exposed in order to correct their position through orthodontic treatment. In this case, a crown lengthening procedure will be required prior to the orthodontic treatment.

Your doctor can assist the work of the orthodontist by exposing the crown of an un-erupted tooth and attaching an orthodontic bracket to it, making orthodontic treatment possible. Drs. Ryan, Tyler, and Thomas Rubino gently performs this procedure for both adults and children.

Fixing a Gummy Smile

When excess gum tissue covers the crowns of your teeth, your teeth look short and your smile looks “gummy”. Gummy smiles are more than a cosmetic issue, as the gum tissue overgrowth can make it difficult or impossible for you to thoroughly clean your teeth.

Your doctor can gently remove the excess gum and bone tissue covering your teeth, thereby lengthening the crown, to create a natural-looking and healthy smile.

Learn more about Cosmetic Gum Treatments here.