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Crown Lengthening Surgery in Tacoma

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure used to expose more of the tooth by reshaping or removing a small amount of gum tissue and, when necessary, supporting bone. At Tacoma Dental Hub, crown lengthening may be considered when additional tooth structure is needed for a dental restoration or when the gumline affects the appearance or function of a tooth.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening changes the amount of tooth structure visible above the gumline. The procedure may involve reshaping gum tissue alone or adjusting the supporting bone, depending on the reason for treatment. One common reason for crown lengthening is to provide enough visible tooth structure for a crown or other restoration to be securely placed. It may also be considered when a tooth is damaged, broken, or affected by decay close to the gumline.
Crown lengthening dental procedure for gum and tooth treatment

What Happens During Crown Lengthening?

The exact procedure varies depending on the treatment goal and the amount of gum or bone involved.

Examination and Planning

Your dentist evaluates the tooth, gumline, supporting tissues, and planned restoration.

Local Anesthesia

Appropriate anesthesia is used to keep the treatment area comfortable during the procedure.

Reshaping the Gumline

The gum tissue is carefully adjusted to expose the desired amount of tooth structure.

Bone Adjustment When Needed

In some cases, the supporting bone may also need to be reshaped to achieve the planned result.

What Can You Expect After Crown Lengthening?

Some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity may occur during the healing period. Your dentist will provide specific instructions for cleaning the area, eating, and protecting the treated tissues.

Good oral hygiene remains important, but the surgical area should be cared for according to your dentist’s instructions.

Follow-up appointments allow your dental provider to monitor healing and determine when the next stage of treatment can proceed.

Natural-looking dentures restoring a complete smile

Dental Care Conveniently Located in Tacoma

Tacoma Dental Hub is located at 6003 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Tacoma, WA 98409, making our office convenient for patients in Tacoma and nearby communities. If you have a severely damaged, broken, painful, or impacted tooth, contact our office to discuss your treatment options.

Our Location

6003 Tacoma Mall Blvd, Tacoma, WA 98409

Comfortable patient waiting area with modern seating at Tacoma Dental Hub.

Crown Lengthening for Restorative Treatment

A dental crown needs adequate tooth structure to provide appropriate support. When decay, fracture, or wear leaves too little tooth structure exposed, crown lengthening may be considered to make additional tooth structure accessible.

This can help create the space needed for a restoration as part of a larger treatment plan.

Your dentist will first determine whether the tooth can be restored and whether crown lengthening is an appropriate option.

Explore Our Oral Surgery Services

Extractions

Tooth removal may be recommended when a tooth is severely damaged, decayed, fractured, or otherwise cannot be predictably restored.

Sinus Lift

A sinus lift may be considered when additional bone height is needed in the upper jaw for dental implant treatment.

Bone Grafting

Bone grafting may help restore or build bone in areas where additional support is needed for certain dental treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is crown lengthening surgery?
Crown lengthening is a procedure that exposes more tooth structure by reshaping gum tissue and, when necessary, supporting bone.
If there is not enough healthy tooth structure above the gumline, crown lengthening may expose additional tooth structure needed to support a restoration.
Local anesthesia is used during the procedure. Some tenderness or swelling may occur during healing, and your dentist will provide appropriate aftercare instructions.
Healing varies depending on the amount of tissue treated and the individual patient. Your dentist will monitor healing and advise when restorative treatment can continue.
In selected cases, crown lengthening can reshape the gumline and expose more of the natural tooth. Your dentist can determine whether it is appropriate for your smile.

Discuss Your Crown Lengthening Options

If you have a damaged tooth, insufficient tooth structure, or concerns about your gumline, a dental evaluation can help determine whether crown lengthening may be appropriate. Contact Tacoma Dental Hub to discuss your treatment options.

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