Crown lengthening is a versatile treatment that can serve both cosmetic and functional purposes. It can transform a “gummy smile” into one with better proportion or create the right conditions for a strong, long-lasting restoration when a tooth is damaged near the gumline. Whatever your reason for considering the procedure, our periodontists provide personalized care with your comfort and long-term results in mind.

What is Crown Lengthening?

The treatment generally takes about an hour, and because it permanently changes the gum and bone contours, the results are typically long-lasting. Crown lengthening can dramatically change how your smile looks and feels by making the teeth appear longer, more even, and better aligned with your facial proportions.

Patients often find that improving the gumline has a significant impact on their confidence. A smile that once looked “gummy” or uneven can appear balanced and youthful. As a bonus, longer-looking teeth can make the face seem more refined and elongated, much like the visual effect of vertical stripes on clothing.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

• Improved Smile Aesthetics: By reshaping the gums, your teeth look longer, more symmetrical, and naturally proportioned.
• Restoration Readiness: It provides the necessary space for a dentist to securely place crowns, veneers, or fillings when decay or damage extends below the gumline.
• Easier Oral Hygiene: A more even gumline can make brushing and flossing more effective by reducing areas where bacteria can collect.
• Enhanced Comfort: Excess gum tissue can sometimes cause irritation or make it difficult to clean around restorations; crown lengthening resolves these issues.
• Long-Term Dental Stability: Proper gum and bone contouring helps ensure that future restorations fit well and remain stable for many years.

Aesthetic Crown Lengthening

Many patients choose to combine aesthetic crown lengthening with veneers, teeth whitening, or other cosmetic dental treatments to achieve a comprehensive smile makeover. The result is a confident, natural-looking smile that complements your facial features.

Because we use advanced laser technology, the procedure is gentle and precise, with minimal bleeding or swelling. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days and notice immediate improvement in their smile’s appearance.

Elizabeth’s Testimonial

Patient Elizabeth transformed her smile with the Crown Lengthening procedure here at Periodontal Associates of Memphis.

Functional Crown Lengthening

When a tooth is broken, decayed, or fractured below the gumline, functional crown lengthening is performed to expose more of the tooth so that a proper dental restoration can be securely placed. Without enough visible tooth structure, crowns or fillings may not adhere properly, increasing the risk of failure or future decay.

Our periodontists carefully remove the necessary amount of gum tissue and reshape the bone if needed to create an ideal foundation for your restorative dentist to complete your treatment. By doing this, we help prevent bacteria from entering the small space between the crown and the tooth, which can cause hidden decay or gum irritation over time.

Functional crown lengthening is often recommended when:

• A tooth is fractured near or under the gumline
• There is deep decay below the gums
• A crown or bridge needs additional support
• The gum tissue makes it difficult to fit a restoration properly

By providing a clean, stable area for restorative work, functional crown lengthening protects both your dental health and investment in future dental restorations.

What to Expect During and After the Procedure

The procedure is typically performed using local anesthesia, and in some cases, sedation options are available to ensure your comfort. Once the excess gum tissue is removed and the desired contours are achieved, the area is cleaned, and dissolvable sutures or a protective dressing may be placed to aid in healing.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort following treatment and can resume regular activities within a few days. Over-the-counter pain relief and gentle oral care are usually sufficient during recovery. A follow-up visit is scheduled within two to three weeks to assess healing, remove any remaining sutures if necessary, and ensure that the gums have healed properly before any further dental work is completed.

Why Choose Periodontal Associates of Memphis

Our team takes the time to understand your individual concerns, whether you are seeking a more attractive smile or a functional solution to restore a damaged tooth. From consultation to recovery, you will receive personalized care and clear communication every step of the way.

Schedule Your Consultation

Contact us today to schedule your personalized appointment and discover how crown lengthening can enhance your smile and improve your oral health.