Crown lengthening is a specialized periodontal procedure that reshapes or removes small amounts of gum tissue—and sometimes bone—to reveal more of your natural tooth.
This procedure focuses on exposing more of the tooth’s surface to ensure there’s enough structure for a successful restoration, such as a crown, inlay, or filling. It’s often recommended when decay or a fracture extends below the gumline, allowing your dentist to properly restore and protect the tooth.
Cosmetic crown lengthening is designed to enhance the appearance of your smile by reshaping the gums and, if needed, a small amount of bone. It helps balance the proportions between your teeth and gums, reducing the look of a “gummy smile” for a more symmetrical and attractive result.
In many cases, these two goals overlap—your dentist at TruSmile Now — Ahwatukee may recommend crown lengthening to both support a restorative treatment and improve your smile’s overall harmony.
Digital X‑rays and measurements determine how much tissue (and if
needed, bone) to reshape; we coordinate with your restorative dentist for ideal margins.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that reshapes or removes gum tissue—and sometimes bone—to uncover more of your natural tooth structure. It’s often recommended for correcting a gummy smile, treating decay that extends below the gumline, or preparing a tooth for a crown or filling.
Yes. By carefully removing excess gum tissue and sculpting the gumline, crown lengthening reveals more of each tooth, helping create a balanced, proportionate smile. The result is a more attractive, confident appearance with improved symmetry.
Overgrown gums can trap bacteria, increasing the risk of periodontal problems. Reshaping the gums reduces pocket depth and makes it easier to clean your teeth properly—supporting long-term gum health and stability.
You’ll be comfortably numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation options are available if you prefer. Afterward, mild tenderness or swelling is normal, but it can be managed easily with over-the-counter pain relief and proper aftercare instructions.
If a tooth is fractured or decayed below the gumline, crown lengthening provides better access for restorations like crowns or fillings. This ensures a secure fit and helps prevent future complications by exposing healthy tooth structure.
Functional crown lengthening focuses on improving access for restorative treatments, while cosmetic crown lengthening enhances appearance by reshaping the gumline. Some patients benefit from both functional and aesthetic results in a single procedure.
A gingivectomy involves removing small amounts of gum tissue for minor reshaping. Crown lengthening goes deeper, sometimes adjusting bone levels to expose more tooth structure—making it ideal for restorative or more complex cosmetic needs.
In certain cases, yes. If the gum or bone levels aren’t ideal for implant placement, crown lengthening can help create the proper contours, ensuring the implant looks natural and functions correctly.
Most patients return to normal routines within a few days, though full gum and bone healing can take several weeks. Follow-up visits help monitor progress and ensure proper healing before moving forward with restorations.
Yes—your teeth will appear slightly longer because more of the natural surface is visible. This improvement is both functional and aesthetic, often resulting in a more balanced, confident smile.
