Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a precise periodontal procedure used to improve gum health, expose more natural tooth structure, and prepare the smile for restorative or cosmetic treatment. At Quality Dentistry of Coconut Creek, crown lengthening may be recommended to support a damaged tooth, improve the fit of a dental restoration, or enhance the appearance of a smile affected by excess gum tissue.
This procedure reshapes the gum tissue—and in some cases a small amount of underlying bone—to reveal more of the natural tooth. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, several teeth, or along the full smile line to create a healthier, more balanced, and more aesthetically pleasing result.
Why Crown Lengthening May Be Recommended
Crown lengthening is often used for both functional and cosmetic reasons, including:
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Restoring damaged teeth – When a tooth is broken or decayed below the gumline, crown lengthening can expose enough healthy tooth structure for proper restoration
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Preparing for a dental crown or other restoration – Creating additional space between the gum tissue and restoration helps protect long-term gum and bone health
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Improving a “gummy smile” – Excess gum tissue can make teeth appear short or uneven. Crown lengthening can reveal more of the natural tooth and create a more balanced smile
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Enhancing gum symmetry – Reshaping the gumline can improve overall aesthetics and support a more even smile design
What to Expect During Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is typically performed with local anesthetic to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. The exact treatment time depends on the number of teeth involved and whether any bone reshaping is needed.
During the procedure, the gum tissue is carefully adjusted to expose more of the tooth surface. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also be reshaped to achieve the proper result and create a healthy foundation for long-term stability. Even when only one tooth is being treated, adjacent teeth may also be contoured slightly to ensure a smooth, natural-looking gumline.
Following treatment, the teeth may appear longer right away because more of the natural tooth structure is visible. Post-operative instructions may include a medicated rinse, healing guidance, and recommendations to keep the area clean and comfortable as it heals. Full tissue healing typically occurs over several weeks, with final maturation continuing over the following months.
Crown Lengthening for a Gummy Smile
In many cases, crown lengthening is also the clinical treatment used to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. When excess gum tissue covers too much of the teeth, the smile can appear uneven or the teeth may look shorter than they actually are. By recontouring the gumline, crown lengthening can create a more proportionate, natural-looking smile while also supporting long-term periodontal health.
