Periodontal Therapy
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening reshapes the gum and, when needed, the underlying bone to expose more of a tooth. Functionally, it provides the sound tooth structure a dentist needs to place a filling, crown, or other restoration when decay or a fracture extends below the gumline.
Esthetically, the same procedure can reduce a 'gummy' smile or even out an irregular gumline, creating a more balanced, proportionate appearance.
Who it's for
- A tooth that needs a restoration but lacks enough exposed structure
- Decay or a fracture that extends below the gumline
- A 'gummy' smile or uneven gumline affecting appearance
- Preparing a tooth for a well-fitting, long-lasting crown
What to expect
- 1
Planning
We assess the tooth, gum, and bone levels — and, for esthetic cases, plan the gumline together with your restorative goals.
- 2
The procedure
Under local anesthesia, excess gum tissue (and bone, if needed) is reshaped to expose the right amount of tooth.
- 3
Healing
The gums heal to their new contour over a few weeks.
- 4
Restoration or finish
Once healed, your dentist completes the restoration, or the esthetic result is final.
Recovery & aftercare
Discomfort is usually minor and short-lived, managed with over-the-counter pain relief. You'll be guided on gentle cleaning around the site during healing.
For restorative cases we coordinate timing with your dentist so the final crown or filling fits the newly exposed tooth precisely.
Common questions
- Will my teeth look longer?
- Yes — that's the intended effect. For esthetic cases the new proportions are planned in advance so the smile looks balanced and natural.
- How long before my dentist can place the crown?
- Often several weeks to a few months — commonly about 6 to 12 weeks, and longer when bone has been reshaped — to let the gumline fully settle. The exact timing is confirmed at follow-up and coordinated with your dentist.
Talk to a specialist about crown lengthening
Whether you're a patient considering treatment or a dentist referring a case, we'll evaluate, plan, and coordinate care from diagnosis through follow-up.
Sources
This information is provided for educational purposes and is not a substitute for a professional evaluation. Diagnosis and treatment should always be determined by a qualified dental professional based on your individual condition.