What happens during crown lengthening?

Tooth exposed: Tissue and often bone is carefully sculpted away from the tooth / root to expose more tooth to support and retain the crown. The tissue is sutured in place and a dressing is often placed. Sometimes the crown is prepared and a temporary made . After healing, often 8 - 10 weeks, the tooth preparation is completed and the impression for the crown is made.

More tooth exposed: When a tooth is broken or decayed very close to, or under, the gumline, it may be necessary to do "crown lengthening". That is a periodontal procedure which results in the exposure of more tooth structure at the gumline for a crown to hold onto.

Bone removal: When there is not enough solid tooth structure above the bone level to have a crown, the dentist will remove several millimeters of bone so that the crown will fit correctly. This is considered a periodontal surgical procedure. An incision is made, gums pushed back, bone removed, and gums apically repositioned. It works well!