Crown Lengthening for Deep Cavities: More Tooth Structure for Crowns or Fillings

Protect Deep Cavities Before It’s Too Late

Deep cavities close to, or even under, the gumline can be tricky. When decay goes that far down, there may not be enough healthy tooth showing for a normal filling or crown to grab onto. Your dentist might see a clean, solid tooth under the gums, but if they cannot reach it properly, they cannot build a strong repair.

Leaving that kind of decay alone usually does not end well. The tooth can crack, the nerve can get infected, and the gum around it can stay sore and swollen. Over time, that can lead to tooth loss and the need for more complex treatment later, like extractions and replacement with implants.

Crown lengthening is one way to rescue a tooth before it reaches that point. By carefully reshaping the gum, and sometimes the bone around the tooth, we can uncover more healthy structure. That gives your dentist enough room to place a secure filling or crown that is much more likely to last.

As people around Fort Collins start thinking about warm-weather plans, it is a good time to make sure eating, smiling, and laughing are comfortable again. Taking care of deep decay now can help protect your teeth so they hold up when life gets busy again.

Why Deep Cavities Make Restoring Teeth So Challenging

When dentists talk about a deep cavity, they usually mean decay that reaches very close to the gumline or the bone that supports your tooth. Instead of a simple hole on the top surface, the cavity creeps down the side of the tooth, hiding under the gums.

There is a natural protective space your body keeps between the edge of a filling or crown and the bone. Dentists often call this the biological width. This small zone includes your gum attachment and a bit of connective tissue. It needs to stay clear so your gums can stay healthy and calm.

If a filling or crown is placed too close to this area, problems can pop up, such as:

• Constant gum irritation and swelling  

• Bleeding when you brush or floss  

• A poor seal that lets bacteria sneak under the edge  

• Recurrent decay and early failure of the restoration  

Without enough solid tooth above the gumline, your dentist cannot create a snug, clean edge for the crown or filling. It may feel fine at first, but it is more likely to leak, break, or bother your gums. This situation is common with:

• Large old fillings that have broken or fallen out  

• Teeth that had root canal treatment and then fractured at the gumline  

• Cavities that wrapped around the tooth and slipped under the gum  

• Trauma that chipped a tooth right at the gum edge  

In these cases, simply placing another filling or crown without changing the gum and bone around the tooth is usually not a long-term fix.

How Crown Lengthening Creates a Strong Foundation

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that gives your dentist more solid tooth to work with. In simple terms, we gently move the gumline higher so more of the tooth shows, and when needed, we reshape the bone around it to match.

At Fort Collins Periodontics and Dental Implants, the process starts with careful planning. We use digital X-rays and photos to see exactly where the decay is and how much healthy tooth is left. This helps us decide how much gum and bone, if any, need to be adjusted.

During the procedure, you can expect:

• Local anesthesia to keep the area numb and comfortable  

• Sedation options when appropriate for added relaxation  

• Precise reshaping of the gum around the tooth  

• Smoothing and adjusting the supporting bone when needed  

• Tiny sutures to hold the new gumline in place while it heals  

By exposing more tooth above the gumline, we give your restorative dentist a much better foundation. They can:

• Place a crown with a cleaner edge  

• Create a tighter seal that is easier to keep clean  

• Improve how well the crown or filling stays in place over time  

Our team is careful to protect nearby teeth and to keep your smile line looking natural. The goal is not only function, but also making sure your gums and teeth look like they belong together.

When Crown Lengthening Is the Right Choice for You

Crown lengthening is not needed for every cavity, but it can be the right answer in certain situations. Your dentist or periodontist may recommend it if you have:

• Decay that extends below the gumline  

• Fillings that keep breaking or falling out on the same tooth  

• A tooth fractured at or just under the gum edge  

• A tooth that had root canal therapy and now needs a stable crown  

Often, your general dentist spots the problem first and then works with a periodontist to plan the best way to save the tooth. Together, they weigh crown lengthening against other choices, like extracting the tooth and replacing it with a dental implant.

A few key things we think about when deciding if crown lengthening makes sense include:

• Bone support: Is there enough bone left to keep the tooth stable?  

• Gum health: Are the surrounding gums healthy enough to heal well?  

• Overall medical health: Will healing be normal and steady?  

• Cosmetic needs: Especially for front teeth that show in your smile  

Talking about these options before starting major treatment can help you plan time off, arrange help at home if needed, and understand your insurance benefits.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Crown Lengthening

If crown lengthening is recommended, the first step is a detailed consultation. At our office, we look at:

• Current X-rays to see the bone and root structure  

• A periodontal exam to check gum health and pocket depths  

• Photos and clinical measurements around the tooth  

We use this information to design a plan that fits both your health needs and the final look your restorative dentist is aiming for.

During the appointment itself, most people are surprised by how routine it feels. The tooth and surrounding area are numbed with local anesthesia. When appropriate, we may offer sedation to help you feel more relaxed. The visit length can vary, but many treatments are completed in a single session.

After the procedure, it is normal to have some soreness and mild swelling. We give clear instructions about:

• How to care for the area while it heals  

• Which foods are best, usually softer options at first  

• How to brush and floss around the treated tooth without disturbing the sutures  

Soft tissue usually feels much better within 1 to 2 weeks. However, your restorative dentist will often wait longer before placing the final crown or large filling. This allows the gum to settle into its new position so the crown edge can be placed exactly where it should go.

In cooler months, many people like to prepare ahead by having:

• Soft, room-temperature foods ready at home  

• A lighter schedule for a day or two after treatment  

• Plenty of water nearby and fewer very hot or icy drinks  

These small steps can make recovery smoother and more comfortable.

Choosing Expert Care for Long-Lasting Crowns and Fillings

Deep cavities and broken teeth near the gumline can feel discouraging, and it is easy to think the tooth is beyond saving. In many cases, though, a specialist evaluation shows that crown lengthening can create enough solid tooth for a strong, long-lasting repair.

At Fort Collins Periodontics and Dental Implants, we focus on the gums, bone, and supporting structures that let your dentist place their best work. When periodontal care and restorative care are planned together, teeth that once seemed hopeless often gain a second chance.

Crown lengthening is all about building a better foundation. With more healthy tooth showing, your crown or filling can fit more securely, seal out bacteria more effectively, and stand up better to everyday chewing. That means a stronger bite, a healthier smile, and fewer surprises in the future.

Restore Your Smile Comfortably And Confidently

If you have a tooth that needs a crown or other restorative work, we can use crown lengthening to create a healthier, more predictable foundation for your treatment. At Fort Collins Periodontics and Dental Implants, we will evaluate your needs, explain your options clearly, and design a personalized plan that fits your goals. To schedule an appointment or ask questions about your situation, please contact us today.