When most people hear about crown lengthening, they assume it’s purely a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the look of a “gummy smile.” While it can certainly enhance appearance, crown lengthening is often recommended for functional reasons as well.
If your dentist has suggested this procedure, it’s worth understanding what it involves and how it can benefit both your oral health and your smile.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and in some cases the bone, to expose more of the natural tooth. By adjusting the gumline, your dentist can make a tooth appear longer, provide more surface for a dental restoration, or create a healthier balance between the teeth and gums.
The treatment is performed under local anesthesia and is typically completed in a single visit. Recovery is straightforward, with patients able to return to their normal activities soon after.
Reasons Your Dentist May Recommend Crown Lengthening
There are several situations where crown lengthening may be necessary:
- Restoring a damaged tooth: If a tooth has broken near the gumline or has a deep cavity, there may not be enough exposed structure to support a filling or crown. Crown lengthening creates the necessary space.
- Placing a dental crown: For a crown to fit securely, enough tooth must be visible above the gumline. Crown lengthening ensures the restoration has a stable foundation.
- Treating a “gummy smile”: For patients who feel their teeth look too short, crown lengthening can adjust the gumline to improve appearance and symmetry.
- Improving gum health: In some cases, crown lengthening is performed to make it easier to clean around the teeth and reduce the risk of gum disease.
Is Crown Lengthening Cosmetic or Restorative?
The answer is: it can be both. While crown lengthening is often associated with cosmetic dentistry, it’s just as important for restorative treatments. Without enough visible tooth structure, restorative work like crowns or fillings may fail over time. Crown lengthening provides the space needed for these treatments to succeed, protecting the long-term health of your smile.
What to Expect After the Procedure
Some mild discomfort or swelling is normal in the first few days after crown lengthening, but this can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and a soft food diet. Your dentist will provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to monitor healing.
The results of crown lengthening are long-lasting, making it a reliable option whether you’re preparing for restorative work or simply want to improve your smile’s appearance.
Crown lengthening isn’t just about looks—it’s often the key to restoring and protecting your oral health.
About the Practice
Georgia Periodontics utilizes advanced dental technology to tailor natural-looking crowns to each patient. Led by Dr. Litterer and Dr. Scher, we specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of gum disease and strive to support oral wellness. Crown lengthening is among our specialties and our team is committed to helping patients achieve healthier smiles with advanced periodontal care.
Call us at (770) 457-6558 or request an appointment online.