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Should a Gingivectomy Be Peformed Before a Crown is Placed?

I have painful bulge of skin around a tooth that had a root canal 3 years ago, and now need a crown. Should a gingivectomy be peformed before a crown is placed?

Doctor Answers 6

April 17th, 2012

Gingivectomy Before Crown?

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Sounds to me as if you have an infectious or inflammatory process going on around your tooth. This may indicate a failing root canal treatment, periodontal infection or even a fractured tooth.  Make sure to find out if anything like this is occuring prior to having a new crown placed.

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Brian Dorfman, MD, DMD


Phoenix Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
4.7 out of 5 stars 13 reviews

March 11th, 2012

Is A Gingivectomy Needed Prior To Having A Crown?

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I would not pursue a crown until you have had the tooth examined to determine the cause of the painful bulge.  This could be a sign of a recurrent infection of the tooth, a periodontal infection, or a crack in the tooth.  When it is determined that  a crown can and should be placed, a gingivectomy may be needed if their is insufficient tooth above the gums.  We use a soft tissue laser to perform this procedure to allow for it to be minimally invasive.  The patient is rarely even sore after the procedure and there is no bleeding or need for sutures.  

Scott Young, DDS
March 9th, 2012

Gingevectomy

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A dental tooth crown should not be placed before you address the painful bulge.  It may indicate that there is excessive decay or that there is a failure in the root canal.  You should have a candid conversation (maybe multiple opinions) about the tooth and the prognosis before investing more money in it. 

Lawrence Singer, DMD
March 8th, 2012

Gingivectomy sometimes necessary before placing a crown

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A "painful bulge" on the gum around a tooth is something that should be addressed prior to placing a crown. A gingivectomy, while sometimes necessary before completing a crown procedure, may not be what's needed in this particular case. 

Rafael Morales, DDS
Boca Raton Dentist

March 8th, 2012

Gingivectomy Before Crown Placement

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If there is indeed excess gum tissue, it should be removed. The real question should be "Why is there excess gum tissue?" If it is caused by an active gum or nerve infection, that issue must be dealt with first. 

Jay Neuhaus, DDS
New York Dentist

March 7th, 2012

Gingivectomy before dental crown

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In the situations when there is a growth of the gingiva in the area where the crown margin is supposed to be, the small gingivectomy under local anesthesia can be easily performed. After the tooth is preped for the crown and before the temporary crown is placed, gingivectomy should be performed

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.