Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth structure to improve oral health or prepare a tooth for restoration. At My Tooth Place in Westminster, California, Aury Arroyo-Lourenco, DDS, offers this treatment as part of a comprehensive approach to both restorative and cosmetic dentistry. Patients receive a careful evaluation, and the use of precise techniques helps create healthier gum contours and better support for crowns or fillings. To find out whether crown lengthening could improve your smile or dental function, contact My Tooth Place by phone or request an appointment online today.

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that exposes more of your natural tooth above the gumline.

Despite the name, it doesn’t make the crown of your tooth grow longer. Instead, it reshapes the gum tissue and, in some cases, a small amount of bone so more of the tooth shows.

Why might you need crown lengthening?

My Tooth Place may recommend crown lengthening to improve your oral health or prepare your tooth for restorative treatment.

For example, you may feel like your smile looks gummy because too much gum tissue covers your teeth. Crown lengthening can create a more balanced, even smile.

Sometimes a tooth breaks near the gumline or has decay below the gums. In that case, there may not be enough visible tooth structure to support a crown or filling. Crown lengthening can uncover more of the tooth so it can hold a restoration properly.

What happens during crown lengthening?

First, your My Tooth Place provider examines your teeth and gums and may take digital X-rays or other images to plan your treatment.

During the procedure, they numb the area to keep you comfortable. Then they gently reshape the gum tissue around the tooth. If needed, they also adjust a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth and create the right amount of space.

Once they finish, your provider cleans the area and gives you instructions for healing at home.

Does crown lengthening hurt?

Most patients do well during crown lengthening because they receive a local anesthetic before treatment starts. You may feel pressure during the procedure, but you shouldn’t feel sharp pain.

Afterward, it’s normal to have some soreness, swelling, or tenderness for a few days. Your provider may recommend medication, a special rinse, and soft foods while the area heals. Following those instructions can make recovery smoother and help protect the treated area.

How long does crown lengthening take to heal?

Healing time depends on how much tissue My Tooth Place reshapes the tooth and whether they treat one tooth or several. Many people start to feel better within a few days, but the gums usually need more time to settle fully.

If you need crown lengthening before getting a dental crown, your provider may wait several weeks to give your gums time to heal.

Call My Tooth Place or book online today to request more information about crown lengthening.