Clinical crown lengthening (i.e. the visible part of the tooth within the oral cavity) is a simple surgical procedure during which a small amount of gum tissue and bone surrounding the tooth is removed.
The indications for such a procedure usually involve the presence of caries or a tooth fracture at the level of the bone or below it, conditions which, if left untreated, may lead to further complications affecting the tooth.
This procedure is relatively brief and is typically completed in a single visit (or more in cases involving multiple teeth) under local anesthesia. Using a scalpel, electrosurgical unit, or laser, the excess gingival tissue and the corresponding portion of bone are removed. Subsequently, any carious damage to the tooth is restored, and the gums are sutured into the desired position so that they are properly proportioned to the teeth, resulting in an optimal aesthetic result.
