Crown Lengthening
Reasons for Crown Lengthening
When decay occurs below the gumline, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone and gum tissue. Your dentist may ask for this procedure before he or she makes a new crown for your tooth.
Crown Lengthening procedures are done for both restorative dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. General practitioners often refer for crown lengthening procedures prior to restoration of broken or severely decayed teeth. This procedure adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
Sometimes crown lengthening is done to improve a “gummy” smile because the teeth appear short. The teeth may actually be the proper length but excess gum tissue may be covering these teeth. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
Crown Lengthening FAQs
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes a small amount of bone, to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It is done to prepare a tooth for a crown or other restoration, or to improve the appearance of a smile where the gums cover too much of the teeth.
Why would I need crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is often needed when a tooth is broken or decayed at or below the gumline and there is not enough tooth structure above the gums to support a crown. It can also be done for cosmetic reasons to correct a gummy smile or uneven gumline.
What happens during a crown lengthening procedure?
The area is numbed with local anesthetic, and the gum tissue is carefully reshaped to expose more of the tooth. If needed, a small amount of bone is also recontoured. The gums are then stitched into their new position to heal.
Does crown lengthening hurt?
The area is numbed during the procedure, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain. Some tenderness afterward is normal. Dr. Hwang and our team will give you instructions to help you stay comfortable while you heal.
What is recovery like after crown lengthening?
Recovery generally involves eating soft foods, cleaning the area gently, and following your post-operative instructions. The gums need time to heal before a final crown or restoration is placed, and Dr. Hwang will let you know when the area is ready. You can also review our Post-Op Instructions page.
Can crown lengthening improve a gummy smile?
Yes. Cosmetic crown lengthening can reveal more of each tooth and create a more even, balanced gumline, so teeth that look short or are covered by excess gum tissue appear more proportional.
This information is general and is not a substitute for an exam with Dr. Hwang. For emergencies, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For dental concerns, call West Campus Dental Center at 253-838-3283.
