Crown Lengthening Procedure
 Crown lengthening is a precise surgical procedure that exposes more of your natural tooth by removing excess gum tissue—and sometimes bone. This treatment is commonly recommended when a dental crown or veneer is needed, or when someone wishes to improve a "gummy" smile. At Smile Makers Dental Center, our dental team uses crown lengthening to improve both function and aesthetics, helping you achieve a healthier and more confident smile.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a type of periodontal surgery that involves reshaping or removing gum tissue (and occasionally bone) to uncover more of the natural tooth surface. This makes the tooth easier to restore or visually lengthens it for cosmetic enhancement.
While often associated with dental crown preparation, it’s also used in smile design treatments. Unlike simple gum contouring, crown lengthening may require bone adjustment for optimal results. The procedure can focus on one tooth or several, depending on your needs.
Reasons for Crown Lengthening
Patients typically undergo crown lengthening for one of two reasons: to support a necessary dental restoration or to enhance the appearance of their smile.
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Restorative Purposes - Required when there isn’t enough tooth structure above the gumline to support a crown or filling.
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Cosmetic Enhancement - Helps correct a gummy smile or uneven gum line to achieve better smile balance.
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Treating Sub-Gum Issues - Used to access tooth decay or fractures hidden below the gum surface. |
Crown lengthening is often a foundational step in comprehensive smile transformations involving crowns, dental veneers, or dental bridges.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure – Step by Step
Understanding the process of crown lengthening surgery can help reduce anxiety and prepare you for what to expect.
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Local anesthesia is applied to numb the area.
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Excess gum tissue—and in some cases bone—is carefully removed to expose more of the tooth.
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The area is shaped to create a balanced gum line.
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Sutures may be placed to help the gums heal properly.
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A follow-up visit is typically scheduled to assess healing and remove sutures if needed. |
The entire procedure usually takes about an hour but may vary depending on the number of teeth involved and the complexity of the case.
Crown Lengthening for Veneers and Crowns
When a tooth is too short or broken beneath the gumline, crown lengthening becomes essential for restorative success.
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Creates Adequate Tooth Surface - Ensures there’s enough visible tooth structure for a secure crown or veneer.
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Improves Long-Term Outcomes - Prevents decay at the margin and reduces risk of crown failure.
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Aligns with Cosmetic Goals - Promotes uniformity in gum lines and tooth length during smile makeovers. |
By exposing more of the tooth, this procedure supports both structural integrity and aesthetic harmony for dental restorations.
Healing and Recovery Timeline
While crown lengthening recovery is generally straightforward, understanding the healing timeline helps set realistic expectations.
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Initial Healing - Begins within a few days; mild discomfort and swelling are common.
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Full Gum Recovery - Typically takes several weeks depending on the extent of the procedure.
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Post-Operative Care - Soft foods, good oral hygiene, and gentle brushing are crucial.
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Follow-Up Visit - Necessary to remove sutures and evaluate gum healing. |
Most patients resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, though complete gum stabilization may take up to 2-3 months.
Is Crown Lengthening Painful?
Many patients are concerned about discomfort—but crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia, ensuring a pain-free experience during the procedure.
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Minimal Intraoperative Pain - The area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthetic.
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Manageable Post-Op Discomfort - Typically mild and controllable with over-the-counter pain relief.
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Normal Healing Sensations - Swelling or tenderness may occur but usually resolves within a few days. |
Overall, patients often report that crown lengthening is far less painful than they anticipated.
Cost Considerations
The cost of crown lengthening can vary depending on several individual factors.
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Number of Teeth Involved - Affects surgical time and complexity.
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Gum vs. Bone Reshaping - Procedures involving bone are typically more involved and costlier.
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Insurance Coverage - May be partially covered if the procedure is medically necessary.
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Cosmetic Cases - Usually not covered by dental insurance. |
For an accurate estimate, a personalized consultation and review of your dental plan are recommended.
Risks and Considerations
While crown lengthening is generally safe, it is still a surgical procedure with some associated risks.
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Minor Bleeding or Infection - Rare but possible; controlled with proper aftercare.
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Temporary Sensitivity - Especially to hot or cold, typically resolves as gums heal.
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Gumline Changes - Final gum contour may look slightly different than before.
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Medical Conditions - Patients with systemic health issues or periodontal disease may need special evaluation. |
Maintaining good oral hygiene is crucial to promote healing and prevent complications.
Is Crown Lengthening Right for You?
Not everyone needs crown lengthening, but for many patients, it’s a critical step in achieving both dental health and aesthetic goals.
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Restorative Need - Required when teeth are broken or decayed below the gumline.
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Smile Aesthetics - Ideal for correcting excess gum display or asymmetry.
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Healthy Gums - Candidates should be free from active gum disease.
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Evaluation Needed - A thorough dental exam is necessary to determine suitability. |
Your dentist will assess your gums, bone structure, and restorative needs before recommending crown lengthening.
Schedule a Consultation
If you’ve been told you need more tooth exposure for a crown, or you’re exploring ways to improve your smile, crown lengthening may be the answer. At Smile Makers Dental Center, our dental team offers personalized evaluations to determine if this procedure is right for your needs.
Call (540) 882-0421 today to schedule your crown lengthening consultation and take the next step toward a healthier, more confident smile.
FAQs
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical dental procedure that removes excess gum tissue—and sometimes bone—to expose more of the natural tooth. It’s commonly used in preparation for crowns or veneers, or for improving a “gummy” smile.
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so patients don’t feel pain during surgery. Mild discomfort or swelling may occur afterward, but it's typically manageable with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does it take to heal after crown lengthening?
Initial healing begins within a few days, but full recovery of the gums can take several weeks. A follow-up visit is usually required to remove sutures and monitor healing.
Is crown lengthening covered by insurance?
If the procedure is medically necessary for a dental restoration, it may be partially covered. However, cosmetic crown lengthening is usually not covered. It’s best to check with your insurance provider.
Why do I need crown lengthening before a crown or veneer?
Crown lengthening provides enough exposed tooth structure for a secure and durable bond when placing a crown or veneer. Without it, the restoration may fail or lead to complications like decay at the gumline. |
