Crown Lengthening

Springfield VA Endodontist

What Is Crown Lengthening?

At Springfield Lorton Endodontics, our primary goal is to save your natural teeth and ensure the long-term success of our endodontic treatments. In some cases, after addressing the internal infection with a root canal or retreatment, additional procedures are needed to create a stable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing restoration. From an endodontic point of view, crown lengthening is a vital adjunct procedure that exposes more of the tooth’s structure, ensuring that restorative treatments like crowns can be securely and effectively placed.

When a tooth has sustained significant decay, trauma, or has a subgingival fracture, there may not be enough visible tooth structure above the gumline to support a restorative crown. In such cases, crown lengthening becomes essential. By surgically removing a small amount of gum tissue—and if necessary, a minimal amount of underlying bone—our team can expose additional tooth structure. This not only improves the retention and stability of the final restoration but also enhances the overall prognosis of the tooth following endodontic treatment.

How the Procedure Works

Before beginning the procedure, Dr. Anmar Janabi performs a comprehensive evaluation using advanced digital imaging and CBCT scans. This detailed assessment helps in accurately determining how much tissue needs to be removed and ensures that the surgical plan is tailored to your specific dental anatomy and restorative needs.

During the crown lengthening procedure:

• Preparation and Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is administered to ensure your comfort throughout the process.
• Tissue Reshaping: A precise incision is made in the gum tissue, and, if necessary, a small portion of the bone is carefully removed to expose additional tooth structure.
• Final Adjustments: The area is smoothed and contoured to promote optimal healing and to create a favorable foundation for the placement of a crown or other restoration.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening in Endodontic Care

Integrating crown lengthening into endodontic treatment offers several key benefits:

• Improved Restoration Support: Exposing additional tooth structure helps ensure that crowns, bridges, or veneers have a secure and durable foundation.
• Enhanced Aesthetics: Properly contoured gum tissue creates a balanced, natural appearance, which is essential for a confident smile.
• Long-Term Tooth Preservation: By facilitating effective restoration, crown lengthening contributes to the overall longevity of the treated tooth.
• Prevention of Future Complications: Removing excess gum and potentially compromised tissue reduces the risk of recurrent decay or periodontal issues that might compromise the success of endodontic therapy.