Crown Lengthening surgery

Fix Gummy Smile


What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is the process of re-contouring or removing gum tissue (and sometimes bone) to expose more of a tooth. It can be used for health or esthetic reasons. This procedure is very common, and is best performed by a periodontist, as we specialize in treating the gums and other supporting tissues of the teeth.

Crown Lengthening for Restorations

One of the most common uses for crown lengthening is to prepare a tooth for a restoration. Sometimes, not enough of a tooth exists above the gumline to support a crown or other restoration. In this case, your general dentist may refer you to our office for crown lengthening. We will remove a small amount of gum tissue, and in some cases bone, to reveal enough tooth for successful attachment of the crown.

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Fixing Gummy Smiles

Another important use of crown lengthening, also called “gum contouring,” is the treatment of “gummy smiles.” This is a very common esthetic issue where the teeth look too small, forcing the smile out of balance. In actuality, the teeth are the right size, but they are simply covered with too much gum tissue. With crown lengthening, we are able to remove some of the excess gum tissue to fix your gummy smile and give you a more balanced, confident smile.

Crown Lengthening: The Procedure

The first step in the crown lengthening process is to numb the area of the mouth we will be working on. We can also help you relax using additional medications, at your request. Once the area is numb, we will get to work removing excess gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone as well, depending on your needs. The procedure takes about an hour, and we will make sure you are comfortable the entire time.

Does crown lengthening hurt?

No – we use local anesthesia to keep the area totally pain-free during the procedure. As the anesthesia wears off later in the day, you may experience some soreness. Over-the-counter medications are typically all that is needed to manage post-procedure discomfort.

Whether you come to us by referral or for esthetic needs, we welcome you to our practice. Please call our friendly team at Ridgewood Office Phone Number Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates Office Phone Number 201-447-0855 to schedule an appointment during a convenient time for you.

Restoring Smiles and Changing Lives in Bergen County, NJ!
Request an Appointment Online or call Ridgewood Periodontal & Implant Associates Office Phone Number 201-447-0855 to schedule your consult today!