Crown Lengthening

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening reshapes gum tissue — and sometimes a small amount of the underlying bone — to expose more of a tooth. It is a short periodontal procedure performed under local anesthetic.

Functional and Cosmetic Reasons

Functionally, it is used when a tooth has broken or decayed at or below the gumline. A crown needs a band of sound tooth structure to grip, and crown lengthening exposes that structure so the tooth can be restored rather than extracted.

Cosmetically, the same procedure evens out a gumline that sits low or unevenly, which is what makes teeth look short or a smile look gummy. Recontouring the tissue lets more of the natural tooth show.

Recovery

Expect some tenderness for a few days and a gumline that continues to settle for several weeks. Where the goal is cosmetic, the final crown or veneer is usually made once the tissue has fully matured, so the finished margin sits exactly where it should.