Crown Lengthening Ottawa
BluSky Dental Richardson
A tooth broken or decayed near the gumline can be difficult to restore. Crown lengthening exposes additional tooth structure so a dentist can assess whether a lasting restoration is possible.
At BluSky Dental Richardson, the decision begins with the whole tooth. The question is whether reshaping the surrounding tissues would support a reasonable repair, with an acceptable effect on the gums and neighbouring teeth.
Why Crown Lengthening Is Considered
A crown needs sound tooth structure to fit around. When damage extends beneath the gumline, simply placing a deeper crown edge may not provide a suitable result. Crown lengthening changes the tissue position to make more tooth available.
The procedure can involve gum tissue and, in some cases, supporting bone. It is not a way to grow new tooth structure. Its value depends on what remains, the root support and the restoration being planned.
Sometimes a similar approach is considered for the appearance of a short-looking tooth. If appearance is your main concern, see gum contouring and discuss the reason your gumline looks the way it does before selecting treatment.
Planning Crown Lengthening in Ottawa
The examination and relevant imaging help establish the location of the damage and the available support. The dentist considers the future crown edge, cleaning access and the effect of changing the gum level.
Ask whether the tooth remains a good candidate for restoration after the procedure. A technically possible repair is not automatically the best choice if the remaining support or prognosis is poor.
Your plan should identify who will perform the surgery and who will complete the restoration. If a periodontal consultation is recommended, understand what that assessment needs to resolve.
Weigh the Alternatives
Depending on the tooth, options may include another restorative approach, orthodontic movement to expose tooth structure or removal when the tooth cannot be maintained. Not every option is suitable in every case.
Compare the complete treatment, including surgery, healing and the final crown. Ask what happens if additional damage is found and whether the proposed appearance will differ from the neighbouring teeth.
The Procedure and Healing
The treating clinician explains the anaesthetic and surgical approach. Tissue is reshaped according to the plan, and sutures may be used. You receive instructions for eating, cleaning and protecting the area while it heals.
The gumline needs to settle before some definitive restorative work is completed. Timing depends on the site and the goals, so an immediate final crown should not be assumed. Ask how the tooth will be protected in the meantime.
Report worsening discomfort, persistent bleeding or another recovery concern to the treating team. Keep the planned review so healing can be assessed before moving forward.
Think Ahead to the Final Crown
The surgical result and the restoration need to work together. Ask how the future crown edge will relate to the new gum level and whether cleaning that area will be practical.
If several front teeth are visible when you smile, discuss the effect on symmetry before one gumline is altered. A change intended to make a tooth restorable can also change its appearance.
Where another clinician is involved, confirm that the restorative plan has been shared before surgery. That helps both stages address the same goal rather than treating the procedure as a separate endpoint.
Questions About the Result
Exposing more tooth can change the visible gumline. The expected appearance, particularly near the front of your smile, belongs in the planning conversation.
No. The prognosis depends on the remaining tooth and its support. Ask how the benefits compare with the other realistic options.
Check whether the surgery and restoration are separate fees, and which reviews or temporary restorations are included.
Book a Visit with the Richardson team to understand the recommendation and the next step for your tooth.
Talk with the Richardson team
Tell us what you would like help with and ask about your next visit.
Call: (613) 829-5921
Address: 510 Richardson Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 5H1