Functional Crown Lengthening: What You Need to Know
Functional crown lengthening is a common periodontal procedure that Dr. Ismail performs to expose more of your tooth’s surface, typically in preparation for restorative treatments like crowns or fillings. This procedure is especially helpful when a tooth has broken near the gum line or there is not enough tooth structure available to properly support a restoration.
Why Is Functional Crown Lengthening Necessary?
When too much of the tooth is hidden beneath the gum line, it can be challenging to place a crown or other dental restoration securely. This can lead to poor fit, discomfort, and even failure of the restoration. Functional crown lengthening ensures that there’s enough healthy tooth above the gum line to provide a stable foundation for restorations, improving the long-term success of your treatment.
The Procedure: What to Expect
Dr. Ismail will begin by administering local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. Once the area is numb, the gum tissue around the tooth is gently reshaped and trimmed back to expose more of the tooth’s surface. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also need to be removed to create the necessary space for the restoration.
After the procedure, the gum tissue is sutured back into place, and you will receive instructions on how to care for the area during healing. The entire process typically takes less than an hour, depending on the number of teeth being treated.
Benefits of Functional Crown Lengthening
- Provides a stable foundation for crowns, bridges, or fillings
- Prevents future complications by exposing more of the tooth structure
- Enhances the longevity and success of restorative treatments
- Improves gum health by reshaping and contouring the gum tissue
- If you’ve been told you need a crown or other dental restoration but don’t have enough tooth exposed for it to be successful, functional crown lengthening can provide the solution. Dr. Ismail and his team are here to help ensure that your smile is both healthy and functional for years to come.