Crown Lengthening
Creating a Healthy Foundation for Long-Lasting Restorations
Sometimes a tooth has enough healthy root structure to be saved, but there simply isn't enough tooth exposed above the gumline for your dentist to place a strong, long-lasting restoration.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that gently reshapes the gum tissue—and, when necessary, a small amount of supporting bone—to expose additional healthy tooth structure. This creates the proper foundation for crowns, bridges, or other restorative treatment while maintaining the health of the surrounding tissues.
At Malloy Perio, our goal is always to preserve your natural teeth whenever predictable long-term success is possible.
When Is Crown Lengthening Recommended?
Functional crown lengthening may be recommended when:
A tooth has fractured below the gumline
Decay extends beneath the gums
There is insufficient tooth structure to retain a crown
A restoration has failed because too little tooth remains above the gums
A restorative dentist needs additional tooth structure to achieve a predictable result
In many cases, crown lengthening allows a tooth that might otherwise require extraction to be successfully restored.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure is performed comfortably using local anesthesia.
After gently reflecting the gum tissue, Dr. Malloy carefully evaluates the underlying tooth and surrounding bone. The gum tissue—and when necessary, a small amount of bone—is precisely reshaped to expose healthy tooth structure while maintaining the proper biological relationship between the tooth, bone, and gums.
The tissues are then repositioned and sutured to promote comfortable healing and long-term periodontal health.
Every procedure is carefully planned to provide the ideal foundation for your dentist's final restoration.
Recovery
Most patients experience only mild discomfort following crown lengthening surgery.
Temporary tenderness and minor swelling are common for several days, and most patients return to normal daily activities within one to two days.
As the tissues mature over the following weeks, your restorative dentist will determine the ideal time to complete your permanent restoration.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
In addition to functional treatment, crown lengthening can also be performed to improve the appearance of a "gummy smile."
Some individuals have healthy teeth that appear unusually short because excess gum tissue covers part of the natural tooth. By carefully reshaping the gumline—and when appropriate, the underlying bone—the teeth can appear more balanced and proportional while maintaining healthy periodontal architecture.
Treatment is individually planned based on your smile, lip position, facial proportions, and periodontal health to create a natural-looking result.
Working Together With Your Restorative Dentist
Successful crown lengthening requires close communication between the periodontist and your general dentist or restorative specialist.
Dr. Malloy works collaboratively with your dental team to ensure the tooth is prepared with the proper amount of healthy tooth structure while preserving the surrounding bone and gum tissue for long-term stability.
Our Philosophy
Every tooth deserves careful consideration before recommending extraction.
Functional crown lengthening is often one of several treatment options that can help preserve a tooth that might otherwise appear unrestorable. By creating a healthy, maintainable foundation for restorative dentistry, we can often extend the life of your natural teeth for many years.
When crown lengthening is not the best long-term option, Dr. Malloy will discuss alternative treatments—including extraction and dental implant replacement—to help you make an informed decision based on your individual situation.