Crown lengthening is performed as part of a recommended treatment plan for a tooth that requires a crown or other restoration.  Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and supporting bone in order to expose an adequate amount of healthy tooth structure.  This allows your dentist appropriate access to the tooth and ensures a proper fit for a new crown or filling.

In addition it provides increased retention of the crown, reducing the possibility of the crown coming uncemented in the future. The procedure also allows you to clean the edge of the restoration, reducing the chance for future decay and gum disease.