When is the principle relevant?
For certain deep defects or selected concerns about gum levels.
← All explanationsSurgical crown lengthening
Does crown lengthening make a tooth grow longer?
Surgical crown lengthening exposes more existing tooth tissue. The gum level and, depending on the findings, the underlying bone are altered. The tooth does not grow. The procedure may be considered before restoring certain deep defects or for selected concerns about gum appearance.
For training & practice ↓
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Expose existing tooth tissue
When a defect or fracture edge lies well below the gum, more accessible sound tooth structure may be needed for restoration. This does not make every tooth restorable.
Consider tissues and support
Any necessary change to gum and possibly bone is planned carefully. Root length, supporting tissues and neighbouring teeth matter.
Allow healing before final restoration
Tissues need healing and review after surgery. Sensitivity, altered gum margins and other surgical risks are discussed beforehand; timing of the final restoration is individual.
At a glance
What is needed first?
An examination of restorability, tissues and possible restoration margins.
What follows possible surgery?
Individual healing reviews and subsequent restoration planned accordingly.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
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Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Expose existing tooth tissue
When a defect or fracture edge lies well below the gum, more accessible sound tooth structure may be needed for restoration. This does not make every tooth restorable.
Consider tissues and support
Any necessary change to gum and possibly bone is planned carefully. Root length, supporting tissues and neighbouring teeth matter.
Allow healing before final restoration
Tissues need healing and review after surgery. Sensitivity, altered gum margins and other surgical risks are discussed beforehand; timing of the final restoration is individual.
Often confused
Clinical or anatomical crown?
The anatomical crown is the enamel-covered part of a tooth. The clinical crown is the part visible in the mouth; it can change when the gum level changes.
Quick answers
Is it the same as getting a new crown?
No. An artificial crown restores a tooth. Surgical crown lengthening alters surrounding tissues to expose more of the existing tooth.
Is bone always removed?
No. This depends on the tissue relationships and treatment goal. A photograph alone cannot determine the necessary approach.
Is it suitable for every gummy smile?
No. A visible gum display can have different causes. Examination is needed to determine whether this procedure would be appropriate at all.
At the practice
For a personal conversation
An editorially suggested question for a conversation with Dr. med. dent. Niusha Barahmand Pour:
How much sound tooth tissue and support remain for a restoration that makes sense in the longer term?
A deep fracture edge or unclear crown margin needs careful assessment.
Discuss the findings and restorationAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Clinical crown
- The part of a tooth visible above the gum margin.
- Supracrestal tissue attachment
- Gum tissue attachment to the tooth above the bone crest, which must be considered when placing restoration margins.
- Restoration margin
- The junction between a restoration, such as a crown, and natural tooth tissue.
Make the distinction
The anatomical crown is the enamel-covered part of a tooth. The clinical crown is the part visible in the mouth; it can change when the gum level changes.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.