Before start talking about what the causes and reasons, as well as the possible treatments to solve it, we are going to focus in discovering what treats the well-known coronary lengthening. 

What is coronary lengthening?

As its name indicates, it is an elongation of the crown, that is, it is a intervention with the aim of increasing the length of the crown. This can occur in a single tooth, or in more than one, depending on each specific case and each tooth.

How do we translate this on a practical level?

Well, we could say that it is contour the gum that surrounds the tooth or teeth, with the aim of showing a higher proportion of tooth that of gum.

What are the causes that may cause you to need coronary lengthening?

This type of operation is only carried out in certain situations. And this is when there is some kind of oral damage that affects, or may end up affecting, the inner part of the gums. A exception, is when a crown must be placed below the gum, but these cases are very specific. 

Typically, this intervention is performed in the following cases:

- Cavities:

Because before carrying out any type of treatment, it is necessary to clean the tooth of cavities. But when the cavity is “deep” and affects part of the gum, it is necessary to perform this procedure.

– Tooth fracture:

After suffering a strong blow, a tooth can break. And in this treatment we find a way to reconstruct it in its entirety without possible cracks, which could have future consequences.

– Placing a crown:

Before placing a crown, a condition must be met. That the prosthesis completely surrounds a healthy tooth. And this is when, perhaps, we need to lengthen the crown to be able to place said prosthesis. 

- Other cases:

– When there are endodontic perforations that are located at the bottom of the gingival sulcus.

– When the tooth or teeth present resorptions in the root.

– When it is necessary to renew a dental cover or a bridge because their margins are already below the gum.

– For aesthetic reasons when the gum line is irregular or too low and the teeth appear to be of a different size or very small.

What is the postoperative period like after coronary lengthening?

Although it is not a particularly painful process, it may be something of pain, at least, until the points are removed.

In any case, our specialist can prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory to calm the pain caused by inflammation of the affected area.

It is, in turn, strictly necessary to follow the dentist's instructions regarding oral hygiene and avoid smoking, to avoid infections, especially until the stitches are removed.

At Clínica Dental Corbella we have extensive experience in coronary lengthening in Madrid, caring for many patients with different cases. So the next time you detect any of the causes, do not hesitate to contact us.