When Getting a Crown is There Ever a Need for a Gingivectomy?

There are times when a gingivectomy is needed when having a dental crown performed.  A gingivectomy is the removal of soft tssue for cosmetic or functional reasons.  I routinely perform gingivectomies with a laser when doing crowns where the cavity is below the gumline.  This will allow for a crown that is easier to keep clean allowing for healthy gum tissues around your crown.  Hope this helps. 

 A gap between the gum and the crown can signal decay, gum recession or an ill fitting crown.   A gingivectomy means you are getting rid of excess tissue.   Reasons that you may need a gingivectomy include gum reshaping that may occur from gum disease, uneven gums and occasionally it is used to correct hyperplastic gum tissues that occur with some medications.  Talk to a Periodontist to find out what you need-Good Luck

Most of the time a gingivectomy is not needed to do a new crown on a tooth.  The reasons it is sometimes needed are:  1) due to a deeply decayed or broken tooth that is well under the gumline which  would cause chronic irritation if it is not adjusted (usually this would require some bone recontouring also) or 2) for a cosmetic reasons depending on where the tooth is located.  Have your dentist discuss his rationale for recommending the gingivectomy and get a second opinion if you are not comfortable.

Some times when an old crown develops a space between it and the underlying tooth, gum tissue can become inflamed and grow into that spot.  In order to create good access for a new crown this tissue may be removed by performing a gingivectomy procedure, which is simply removing tissue.  I have found that the easiest and most effective way is by using a soft tissue laser.

A gingivectomy means nothing more than "to remove some of the gum tissue". It often is necessary during dental crown treatments. When a tooth needs a crown, it is because it either has a large filling in it, it has broken or has a new cavity in it. In my practice I find that there is almost always some part of the problem that extends to the edge or even under the edge of the gum. Often times there is some gingivitis or even periodontal disease associated with this area.

In my practice I routinely use a dental laser to do a gingivectomy or to do highly localized laser gum cleaning of the problem area.

Every office is different. I would say many office do not do this routinely. In my opinion, the ones that do it, and do it well usually leave the gum in better condition, than not doing it. 

In highly cosmetic or aesthetic areas, doing a gingivectomy also allows the cosmetic dentist to create as beautiful outline as possible. These are other elements that affect the beauty of the final result.