Consent for Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a minor gum procedure that uncovers more of a tooth. It is usually done so the tooth can be properly restored with a crown, filling or veneer, or to even out a gum line that covers too much of the teeth.

It may be recommended when:

• a tooth has broken or decayed below the gum line;
• there is not enough tooth showing above the gum to hold a restoration securely; or
• extra gum tissue covers part of the teeth.

The area is frozen with local anaesthetic. Your dentist then reshapes the gum around the tooth and, where needed, a small amount of the bone that supports it. Stitches close the area, and a protective dressing may be placed over it. The area usually needs about 4 to 6 weeks to heal before your final restoration is made.

Why it helps: a healthy, well-shaped gum line is easier to keep clean, lets the final restoration fit and seal properly, and lowers the chance of ongoing gum irritation, infection and further breakdown of the tooth.

Most people heal without problems. As with any surgery, though, complications can happen. They include:

• swelling, bruising or tenderness for several days;
• bleeding or oozing after the procedure;
• infection that needs further treatment;
• sensitivity, looseness or aching of the treated or nearby teeth;
• gum shrinkage that makes teeth look longer or leaves small gaps between them where food can catch;
• the edges of existing or future crowns becoming visible;
• numbness or tingling of the gums, lip, tongue or chin, which almost always goes away but can rarely be permanent;
• a stiff jaw or limited opening, especially if you already have jaw joint (TMJ) problems;
• sore or cracked corners of the mouth from being stretched;
• damage to nearby teeth, fillings, crowns or bridges; and
• finding that the tooth cannot be restored after all, so that it needs to be removed.

You may choose not to have this procedure. Without it, your dentist may not be able to restore the tooth properly, and removing the tooth may become the remaining option. Depending on the tooth, other choices can include gently moving the tooth upward with orthodontics, or removing and replacing it.