Due to decay or trauma, a tooth may fracture or become weakened. When this happens, the remaining tooth structure to support a crown restoration is often inadequate. Provided there is considerable bone support around the remaining root and a healthy root canal system, the tooth may be able to be retained and restored via a procedure called "crown lengthening".

 

During this procedure, a small amount of supporting bone is removed around the tooth which ultimately "lengthens" the tooth structure available above the gum line. The increase in tooth length and form provides a suitable substructure to retain a final crown restoration.