Crown lengthening procedure showing dental crowns on gum tissue in Virginia Beach.

Why Would I Need Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is often required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. The edge of that restoration is deep below the gum tissue and not immediately accessible. It is also usually too close to the bone or below the bone.

Crown lengthening allows us to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It should also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease.

About the Crown Lengthening Procedure

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic and involves a series of small incisions around the tissue to separate the gums from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires the procedure, it will probably be necessary to adjust the surrounding teeth to enable a more even reshaping.

When Dr. Cavallari is satisfied that the teeth have sufficient exposure and the procedure is completed, the incisions will be cleaned with sterile water. Sutures and a protective bandage are then placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. Your teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing. The surgical site should be completely healed in approximately two to three months following the procedure.

Crown Lengthening Post-Operative Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that exposes more of your natural tooth structure by reshaping the gum tissue and, when necessary, the surrounding bone. It is most commonly needed when a tooth requires a new crown or restoration but the edge of that restoration sits too deep beneath the gum line — making it inaccessible for proper placement. Dr. Cavallari performs crown lengthening for patients throughout Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads to ensure restorations fit correctly and last long-term.

No. While crown lengthening can improve the appearance of a gummy smile, it is most frequently performed for functional and restorative reasons. If your dentist has recommended a crown or other dental restoration and there isn't enough tooth structure visible above the gum line, crown lengthening creates the access needed for a secure, properly fitting restoration that you can keep clean with brushing and flossing.

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you remain comfortable throughout. Dr. Cavallari makes a series of small incisions around the gum tissue to separate it from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth and, if needed, reshaping the surrounding bone. Even when only one tooth is being treated, adjacent teeth may need minor adjustment to allow for even, natural-looking results. Once complete, the area is cleaned with sterile water, and sutures with a protective bandage are placed.

Your general dentist will typically recommend a periodontal consultation if they determine there isn't sufficient tooth structure above the gum line to properly support a crown or restoration. If you've been referred to a periodontist in Virginia Beach for this reason, Dr. Cavallari at Tidewater Laser Perio and Implants can evaluate your situation and perform the procedure so your restorative treatment can move forward.

Crown lengthening performed for restorative purposes — to support a crown or other dental restoration — is often partially covered by dental insurance plans including Delta Dental, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Humana. Coverage for cosmetic crown lengthening varies. Our team will review your specific benefits during your consultation to help you understand your out-of-pocket costs before any treatment begins.

Crown Lengthening in Virginia Beach, VA

Why Would I Need Crown Lengthening?

About the Crown Lengthening Procedure

Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening

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