Crown Lengthening in Moorpark
If a tooth has broken near the gumline, or a dentist has told you there isn't enough tooth showing to hold a crown, you may be wondering what comes next. For many of our Moorpark patients, the answer is crown lengthening, a procedure that exposes more of the natural tooth so it can be restored properly. At 805 Dentistry, our board-certified periodontist performs crown lengthening in our office, and Moorpark residents can schedule directly with us without a referral.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes the underlying bone, so that more of a tooth's surface sits above the gumline. It is not the same as placing a crown. Instead, it is often the step that makes a successful crown, filling, or other restoration possible.
The procedure is usually recommended in two broad situations. The first is restorative. A tooth may be decayed or fractured below the gums, or it may be too short to grip a crown securely. The second is cosmetic. Some people have a "gummy" smile, where the gums cover much of the teeth and make them look short. In both cases, adjusting the gum tissue gives us a healthier, more workable foundation.
Patients from Moorpark often come to us after another dentist has mentioned crown lengthening, or after an injury or broken tooth that needs repair. Because we are a one-stop practice for the whole family, the treatment and the restoration that follows can usually be coordinated under one roof instead of across several offices.
Our team includes a board-certified periodontist who performs crown lengthening, gum contouring, gum grafting, and dental implant procedures. We also have an on-site dental lab, which helps us coordinate the crowns and other restorations that often follow crown lengthening. For Moorpark families, our Thousand Oaks office is a single place to manage both the gum procedure and the restorative work it supports.
Am I a good candidate for crown lengthening?
You may be a good candidate if you have a tooth that cannot be properly restored because too little of it is visible above the gums. The only way to know for certain is a thorough examination. Our periodontist will look at your gum health, bone levels, and the condition of the tooth before recommending treatment.
Common reasons patients are evaluated include:
- A tooth that has broken off at or below the gumline
- Decay that extends beneath the gum tissue
- A short tooth that may not securely hold a new crown
- An older crown or filling that needs replacing and sits too deep
- Gums that cover more of the teeth than you would like
If crown lengthening is not the right fit, we will explain why and talk through other options. Our practice offers a wide range of restorative, periodontal, and cosmetic treatments, so the recommendation is based on what your tooth actually needs.
What happens during the procedure?
Crown lengthening is done in our office, and the area is numbed before we begin. Our periodontist carefully removes or repositions a small amount of gum tissue, and when needed, reshapes the bone beneath it, to expose more of the tooth.
The scope depends on your situation. A single broken tooth may only need treatment in one small area, while cosmetic cases can involve several teeth to create an even gumline. If you feel nervous about dental procedures, let us know. Our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia, so we can discuss the level of comfort that suits you.
What is recovery like after crown lengthening?
Recovery is generally a matter of letting the gums heal before your final restoration is placed. We give every patient personalized aftercare instructions, because healing time and care steps depend on how much tissue was treated.
Those instructions typically cover how to keep the area clean, what to eat in the days following treatment, and when to return for a follow-up visit. Once the gums have healed, we move forward with the crown or other restoration the procedure was meant to support. If you have concerns during healing, call our office. We also offer emergency dental appointments.
How can I pay for crown lengthening?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and our periodontal services are billed as specialist care. Because crown lengthening is often part of a larger restorative plan, coverage can vary, and our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.
We also welcome self-pay patients, and financing is available for those who would like to spread out the cost. When you call from Moorpark to schedule a consultation, ask our front office about insurance and financing so you have a clear picture before your visit. A conversation with our team is a simple first step toward getting that tooth repaired.