I have a tooth that is stable on three sides with a deep cavity. The tooth just had a substantial root canal and it is time for a crown. I have been told by the dentist and the periodontist in the same practice that a crown lengthening is necessary. This is a molar and has plenty of usable tooth on 3 sides above the gum line. I don't think the crown lengthening is necessary and it sounds like an awful procedure. I am seeking a second opinion. Has anyone had similar experience and what did you learn? Thanks!

I can't picture what they mean by 'lengthening' unless they are going to give you a permanent bridge.

Ncb, maybe someone else who has been through this will see your question and stop by to answer. Until they do, thought I might share my experience with you.

I think you are making a wise decision going for a second opinon. I have had to have a number of crowns put in during the last year. In the past 5 years, I have started grinding my teeth in my sleep and really did some major damage. When I tell you that they had to grind my molars down to stumps to remove the breakage, I am not kidding. Never once did the subject of crown lengthening come up. But, just keep in mind, that it might have something to do with your gum line. If it is receding at all, that may be the reasoning behind it. Speak to this second dentist as you intend to do, and see what he/she says.
Good Luck! :)

A second opinion is fine, but crown lengthening will help to restore your tooth without future complications. There is no doubt this procedure will help your tooth have a long fututre instead of a troubled one. Trust the dentist and let him/her do the job. I had this done recently and it with painless, both during and after. A little sore, but I mean A TINY BIT! Don't stress. It's not awful and it's easy. I stress a lot about the dentist and gnarly procedures as well, but this my friend is not worth it!