Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes gum and sometimes bone tissue to expose more of a tooth's surface. It's commonly used to prepare a tooth for a crown or filling when there isn't enough healthy structure showing above the gumline, or to correct a smile where the gums cover too much of the teeth. At Dental Office of Dr. Salm, Kanner, and Grandeau, this procedure is offered as part of our broader periodontal and restorative care.

Why It's Recommended

• Restorative Access — A cracked, decayed, or short tooth may need more exposed structure before a crown or filling can be placed securely.
• Gum Balance — Some patients seek crown lengthening for a more even, proportional gumline as part of gum contouring.
• Periodontal Health — It can also be part of managing gum and bone levels alongside other periodontal treatment.

How We Approach the Procedure

We use tools suited to gum tissue work to help keep the process precise and comfortable.

• Soft-Tissue Laser — Allows gum reshaping with minimal bleeding and a quicker recovery than traditional methods.
• Dental Loupes — Magnification supports a detailed, careful approach to the surgical site.
• The Wand (STA) Anesthesia — Delivers numbing gradually for a more comfortable experience during treatment.

Crown lengthening is often paired with other services, such as crowns, gum contouring, or osseous surgery, depending on what your tooth and gums need.