Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that repositions your gum tissue at a lower level on your tooth. It increases the amount of tooth structure available to retain your crown and thus greatly reduces the risk that your crown will lose its cemented connection and decay, or loosen and fall out after years of chewing. It also improves your dentist’s access to the area where your crown meets your tooth, which ensures that your crown will fit properly. The procedure takes approximately one hour and is followed one week later by the removal of your sutures. Since it only requires local anesthesia, most people resume their normal schedule the same day. Your dentist will usually take the impression for your crown six to twelve weeks later.