Restore proper tooth structure with precise crown lengthening that reshapes the gumline for stronger, longer-lasting restorations.
A healthier, balanced smile starts here.
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that reshapes the gum and sometimes a small amount of bone around a tooth. The goal is simple: expose more of the natural tooth structure so your dentist can place a crown, fix decay, improve your gumline, or create a healthier foundation for long-term dental work.
It’s quick, comfortable, and often essential for saving teeth that would otherwise be untreatable.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening removes and recontours excess gum tissue — and if needed, a small amount of bone — around a tooth. This exposes more of the tooth above the gumline, giving the dentist the space needed to restore it properly.
Most patients need it for one of two reasons:
Functional crown lengthening
Needed when a tooth is too short, broken below the gumline, or has decay deep under the gums.
Cosmetic crown lengthening
Used to fix a “gummy smile” or uneven gumline for a more balanced, attractive smile.
Why Crown Lengthening Is Sometimes Necessary?
A crown or restoration needs enough healthy tooth structure to stay secure and last. If the gums cover too much of the tooth — or decay extends below the gum — a dentist cannot safely place a crown without creating future problems.
Crown lengthening solves that by giving:
It’s one of the most reliable ways to preserve teeth that might otherwise be lost.
Common Reasons You May Need Crown Lengthening
This procedure allows your dentist to restore the tooth correctly and prevent future complications.
What to Expect During the Procedure?
The process is straightforward and surprisingly comfortable.
Most appointments take 30–60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are involved.
Recovery and Healing
Most patients experience minimal discomfort. You may notice mild swelling or tenderness for a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief is typically enough.
Full healing of the gums takes several weeks, but normal activities can usually be resumed the same day.
You’ll return for a follow-up visit to ensure the gums are healing properly before the final crown or restoration is placed.
Allows proper placement of crowns and restorations
Prevents future fractures or crown failure
Protects the tooth from decay below the gumline
Improves gum health and reduces inflammation
Creates a more symmetrical, attractive smile
Provides long-term stability for restorations
*It sets the stage for beautiful, long-lasting results.
Crown Lengthening for a Gummy Smile
If you feel your teeth look “too short” or your gums show too much when you smile, crown lengthening can create a more balanced, harmonious look by reshaping your gumline and revealing more natural tooth.
It’s one of the fastest and most effective ways to enhance your smile without veneers or major cosmetic work.
A Stronger Foundation for a Healthier Smile
Crown lengthening protects your investment in dental work by giving your dentist the structure they need to create long-lasting, stable restorations. Whether the goal is functional, cosmetic, or both, this procedure ensures the best possible result.
Schedule your evaluation today to see if crown lengthening can help protect or restore your smile.
Most patients say it feels similar to getting a filling — completely numb during treatment and mild soreness afterward.
If there’s not enough tooth above the gumline, the crown won’t seal properly and will likely fail. Crown lengthening ensures the restoration lasts.
Usually 4–6 weeks, depending on healing.
Gum contouring is cosmetic only. Crown lengthening is a functional procedure that exposes tooth structure for restoration — but it can also improve appearance.
It can — often for the better. Your gumline will look cleaner, more even, and more proportionate.