Crown Lengthening
Reveals more tooth structure for restorations or a more balanced gum line.
What to know
Crown Lengthening, explained.
What it is, how it works and how it helps, in plain words.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that removes or reshapes gum tissue, and sometimes a small amount of bone, to expose more of a tooth's surface. It's done for both functional and cosmetic reasons.
After numbing the area, your dentist reshapes the gum line around one or more teeth and adjusts the underlying bone if needed. The gums are then stitched as needed and allowed to heal before a crown or other restoration is placed.
When a tooth is broken or decayed near or below the gumline, crown lengthening exposes enough healthy tooth for a crown to hold securely. For a gummy smile or uneven gum line, it can make the teeth look more proportionate.
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Common questions about crown lengthening.
A crown needs enough healthy tooth above the gums to hold onto and to keep its edges where they can be cleaned. If a tooth is broken near or below the gumline, crown lengthening creates that space so the crown can last.
Initial healing usually takes a week or two, but the gums need more time to fully settle before a final crown is placed. Your dentist will let you know when the area is ready.
Often, yes, when the teeth are partly covered by excess gum tissue. Your dentist will first look at the cause of the gummy smile, since lip movement or jaw position can also play a role.
Crown Lengthening near you.
Book crown lengthening at the office closest to you.
Your next visit
Your next smile starts here.
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