Creating a Strong Foundation for Dental Restorations
Functional crown lengthening is recommended when there is insufficient tooth structure above the gumline to properly support a crown, bridge, or filling. Without adequate tooth exposure, restorations are at higher risk of failure, recurrent decay, or gum inflammation.
Common Reasons for Functional Crown Lengthening
- Tooth decay extending below the gumline
- Fractured or broken teeth at or below the gums
- Inadequate tooth structure to support a crown
- Violation of the biologic width leading to chronic inflammation
The Procedure
Functional crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia. The gum tissue is carefully repositioned, and in some cases, a small amount of supporting bone is reshaped to expose healthy tooth structure. This allows your restorative dentist to place a crown or filling that fits properly and lasts long term. The healing time from surgery to final crown placement is typically 6–8 weeks.
Benefits of Functional Crown Lengthening
- Improves longevity and stability of crowns and fillings
- Reduces the risk of recurrent decay and gum disease
- Preserves the health of surrounding gum and bone tissue
- Creates ideal conditions for predictable restorative outcomes
Functional crown lengthening is a highly predictable procedure that protects both the health and longevity of your dental restorations.
Cosmetic crown lengthening is both an art and a science, requiring advanced training to achieve natural, long-lasting esthetic results. At Mayflower Periodontics and Implant Center, we specialize in gum and bone procedures and has advanced surgical training to manage both functional and cosmetic cases. Proper diagnosis, precise execution, and respect for biologic principles are critical to achieving stable, long-term results.
