Crown lengthening, hard and soft tissue, what to do?

Do it: Is your question what is it? Or should you do it? If the dentist recommends before crown preparation you should do it. Basically soft tissue, and often hard tissue, is removed/reshaped to reveal more tooth above the gum.

Crown lengthening: Can be used to improve esthetics in front teeth or when cavity is too close to bone and necessary to preserve tooth for restoration rather than extract tooth. Each case is different and an excellent procedure in some situations. Trust your dentist's recommendation or get second opinion.

Crown Lengthening: Crown lengthening is accomplished when enough of the tooth's crown has been destroyed that the restorative Dentist cannot properly restore it. There are 3 possible treatment alternatives: Recontour gum or gum/bone to expose more tooth structure, orthodontic treatment to slightly extrude the tooth to expose more tooth structure, or extraction/implant/crown.

See below: Dependent on what it is needed for. Speak to your dentist or periodontist for best results.

That depends on why: Crown lengthening is most often done on anterior teeth to improve cosmetics (eliminate a "gummy" smile). If this is the reason you are having it done then only you can answer if the potentially improved cosmetics is worth it to you.