The "crown" is the part of a tooth visible above the gumline.  Sometimes more of the tooth below the gums must be exposed to fill a cavity near the gumline or when placing a new crown on a broken tooth.  "Crown lengthening" provides more tooth structure for this to be done.  This helps to ensure that the general dental procedure is successful and prevents gum irritation.

Procedure: Dr. McLaughlin administers a local anesthetic and gently recontours excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of your natural tooth.