Functional Crown Lengthening

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About Functional Crown Lengthening

Functional crown lengthening is a type of gum surgery in Sterling, Leesburg, & Aldie, VA that is required when a tooth breaks below the gum line or not enough exposed tooth structure exists to support a restoration. During the procedure, your doctor will adjust the gum line and bone tissue to allow access to the tooth so that it may be properly restored. This is useful in cases of:

  • Tooth decay
  • Tooth fractures
  • Wear and tear
crown lengthening graphic
crown lengthening before and after

Crown Lengthening Surgery

Crown lengthening is a procedure in which excess gum and bone tissue are removed or reshaped so that a larger portion of the natural tooth is exposed. This can be used for a single tooth or multiple teeth. In cases where tooth decay or injury has occurred below the gum line, a crown lengthening procedure is useful because it allows access to the area.

dental patient smiling after procedure

How does it work?

Functional crown lengthening involves the creation of a new gum to tooth relationship by adjusting and reshaping bone and tissue levels. Simply trimming back gum tissue is not enough. Dr. Kharmouche, Dr. Panwar or Dr. Barootchi will need to reshape the area so that enough room is created for the restoration piece to be put in place without causing damage. It also provides enough tooth structure so that the restoration is less likely to come loose in the future or fall victim to further tooth decay or infection.

Crown lengthening is generally a very straightforward procedure with little pain or discomfort afterward. When the surgery is completed, tissue will be held in place with sutures for about two weeks. Once the area has healed, a temporary restoration may be placed. However, it is generally suggested that a period of six to eight weeks pass before placing a permanent restoration due to a small amount of shrinkage that can occur as the gum tissue reattaches to the teeth.

Functional crown lengthening can enable the restoration of a deeply decayed, fractured, or damaged tooth. Patients suffering from tooth decay or injury should contact the NOVA Perio Specialists for more information about this type of gum surgery in Sterling, Leesburg, & Aldie, VA.

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