What Is the Crown Lengthening Procedure?
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that adjusts the position of the gum line (and sometimes the underlying bone) to reveal more of a tooth’s surface. Dentists use it for both functional and cosmetic purposes. For some patients, it’s an essential step before restorative dental work. For others, it’s an aesthetic treatment to make the smile look more balanced and proportionate.
Why the Procedure Is Performed
One of the most common reasons for crown lengthening is to prepare a tooth for a crown or filling. If too much of the tooth has been damaged by decay, fracture, or wear, there may not be enough structure above the gum line to hold a restoration securely. By reshaping the gums (and, if needed, the bone), the dentist creates a stable foundation for that work.
The procedure can also address what’s often called a “gummy smile.” In these cases, the teeth themselves may be perfectly healthy, but an excess of gum tissue makes the teeth look shorter than they are, by contrast. Through trimming and re-contouring the gums, the dentist can reveal more of each tooth’s natural surface, thereby creating a more harmonious smile.
There are also medical reasons to perform crown lengthening. Certain medications or health conditions can cause gum tissue to overgrow, covering the teeth more than normal. Left unaddressed, this can make it harder to keep the area clean, which increases the risk of gum disease. Crown lengthening helps restore a healthy, maintainable gum contour.
How the Procedure Works
Before anything begins, the dentist or periodontist conducts a thorough examination. This often includes dental X-rays to see how the teeth, gums, and jawbone fit together. Planning is essential, since the dentist needs to ensure that the final gum line is both functional and visually balanced.
At the start of the procedure, local anesthesia is typically used to numb the area. Once the patient is comfortable, the dentist makes small incisions in the gums to lift the tissue away from the teeth. In many cases, just removing gum tissue is enough. In others, a small amount of bone around the tooth must also be removed or reshaped to achieve the right level of exposure.
When the desired amount of tooth is visible, the gum tissue is carefully repositioned and sutured into place. Even if the crown lengthening is for a single tooth, adjustments are often made to neighboring teeth so the gum line looks even and natural.
Healing and Aftercare
After the procedure, it’s normal to experience some swelling and mild discomfort. Dentists often recommend using an ice pack for short intervals during the first day, along with over-the-counter pain medication as needed. A periodontal dressing might be placed over the site to protect it while it starts to heal.
Recovery usually takes several weeks. While the gums may feel better within a few days, they need time to fully settle into their new position. During this period, patients are advised to maintain excellent oral hygiene but to brush and floss gently near the surgical site. Follow-up visits help the dentist monitor healing and determine when it’s safe to proceed with any planned restorative work.
The crown lengthening procedure blends the precision of periodontal surgery with the goals of restorative and cosmetic dentistry. It’s used to secure future dental work, correct uneven gum lines, and treat gum overgrowth that interferes with oral health. With careful planning, skilled execution, and proper aftercare, crown lengthening can improve both the function and appearance of the smile, and set the stage for durable, successful dental restorations.