To restore a damaged tooth due to an injury. Sometimes teeth need restorations that require the exposure of more tooth material from below the gum line. In these situations, your Dr. May recommend a procedure called crown lengthening in which the surrounding tissue is altered to expose additional healthy tooth material so a crown can be fabricated. This procedure involves your doctor accessing the area below the gumline and increasing the amount of tooth material exposed. Usually by modifying the surrounding bone and tissue effectively lengthening the tooth. Next, the area is sutured and allowed to heal. Your doctor will let you know when the area is fully recovered. Once you have completely healed, your doctor will work with you to design and place your final restoration, returning your teeth to optimal health function and appear.