Crown Lengthening in Sevenoaks

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that exposes more of the natural tooth by carefully reshaping the gum tissue and, where clinically necessary, the supporting bone. It may be recommended for cosmetic reasons or to provide better access to a tooth that requires restorative treatment.

At Sevenoaks Dental & Implant Centre, crown lengthening can be considered as part of a personalised treatment plan for suitable patients in Sevenoaks and the surrounding area.

The procedure does not actually make the tooth itself longer. Instead, it reveals more of the tooth that is already present beneath or close to the gum line.

Your dentist will assess your teeth, gums, bite and overall oral health before deciding whether crown lengthening is appropriate for you.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a surgical dental procedure used to expose more of a tooth above the gum line.

Depending on the reason for treatment, the procedure may involve reshaping gum tissue alone or adjusting both gum tissue and a small amount of supporting bone.

Crown lengthening may be carried out on one tooth or several teeth depending on the treatment plan.

The procedure can have a cosmetic purpose, such as improving the proportions between the teeth and gums, or a restorative purpose, such as exposing enough healthy tooth structure to support a planned restoration.

What are the benefits of crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening can save a tooth – If a natural crown has broken but the tooth can still be saved, it may be necessary to remove excess gum tissue from around the tooth in order to work on it and to install a dental crown.
Crown lengthening can improve your smile – A multi-tooth crown lengthening operation may even out an inconsistent gum line or lower the whole thing if it is up too high and hiding your pearly whites!
Crown lengthening helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay – Oral health problems, including tooth decay, are less likely with normal gums versus “high” gums because high gums cover up areas of your tooth that therefore cannot be brushed and kept free of bacteria.