Procedures
Crown Lengthening
A surgical procedure that exposes more tooth structure by reshaping gum and bone.
Crown lengthening is performed when there is not enough visible tooth above the gum to support a restoration, or when a patient has a "gummy smile" they want corrected. The dentist or periodontist gently reflects the gum, removes a small amount of bone from around the tooth, and repositions the gum at a lower level. After healing (typically 6–8 weeks), more of the natural tooth is exposed, allowing a crown, filling, or veneer to be placed with a proper margin. Functional crown lengthening saves teeth that would otherwise need extraction; cosmetic crown lengthening creates a more balanced smile line.