When people hear the term crown lengthening, they often assume it’s purely a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of a “gummy smile.” While crown lengthening can certainly enhance the aesthetics of your smile, it also plays an important role in restoring damaged teeth and improving long-term oral health.
At Dr. Bradley Lander Periodontics, we perform crown lengthening for both cosmetic and functional reasons, helping patients throughout Beverly Hills achieve healthier gums while creating the ideal foundation for restorative dental treatment. Understanding why crown lengthening is performed can help you determine whether this procedure may be right for you.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and, in some cases, the underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure.
Despite its name, the procedure does not actually make the tooth longer. Instead, it reveals more of the existing tooth by carefully adjusting the surrounding gum and bone.
As an experienced Periodontist Beverly Hills, Dr. Bradley Lander uses advanced techniques to achieve healthy, natural-looking results while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
Why Might Crown Lengthening Be Needed?
There are two primary reasons why crown lengthening may be recommended:
- Cosmetic improvement
- Functional or restorative treatment
For many patients, the procedure provides both aesthetic and practical benefits.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Some people naturally have excessive gum tissue covering their teeth, making the teeth appear short or uneven.
This is often referred to as a “gummy smile.”
Cosmetic crown lengthening can improve the balance between the teeth and gums by exposing more of the natural tooth surface.
Patients often seek treatment to:
- Reduce the appearance of a gummy smile
- Create a more symmetrical smile
- Make teeth appear longer
- Improve overall smile aesthetics
- Increase self-confidence
Even subtle changes to the gumline can dramatically enhance the appearance of a smile while maintaining a completely natural look.
Functional Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is frequently recommended before restorative dental treatment.
If a tooth has been damaged by decay, fracture, or an old filling that extends below the gumline, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure available to support a crown or restoration.
In these situations, crown lengthening exposes additional tooth structure so your dentist can place a strong, long-lasting restoration.
Functional crown lengthening may be recommended for:
- Deep cavities below the gumline
- Broken or fractured teeth
- Teeth requiring dental crowns
- Teeth with insufficient exposed structure
- Restoring teeth after trauma
This helps create a healthier environment while improving the long-term success of restorative treatment.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Before treatment begins, Dr. Bradley Lander performs a comprehensive examination to determine whether crown lengthening is the most appropriate solution.
During the procedure:
- The area is numbed with local anesthetic.
- Excess gum tissue is carefully reshaped.
- Small amounts of bone may be adjusted when necessary.
- The gums are repositioned to expose more of the tooth.
- The area is cleaned and sutured to promote healing.
The procedure is carefully planned to achieve both healthy function and natural aesthetics.
Is Crown Lengthening Painful?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how comfortable the procedure is.
Local anesthesia ensures the treatment itself is virtually painless.
After surgery, it is normal to experience:
- Mild tenderness
- Slight swelling
- Minor sensitivity
- Temporary discomfort during healing
Most patients return to their normal daily activities within a day or two while following the post-operative instructions provided by their periodontist.
How Long Does It Take to Heal?
Initial healing typically occurs within a few weeks, although the gums continue to mature over the following months.
Healing time varies depending on:
- The number of teeth treated
- Whether bone reshaping was required
- Your overall health
- How well you follow aftercare instructions
If crown lengthening is being performed before placing a permanent crown or restoration, your dentist may recommend waiting until the gums have healed sufficiently before completing the final restoration.
What Are the Benefits of Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening offers both cosmetic and functional advantages.
Benefits may include:
- A more balanced smile
- Improved gum symmetry
- Better access for dental restorations
- Reduced risk of future gum irritation
- Easier oral hygiene
- Long-lasting restorative outcomes
- Greater confidence in your smile
Whether performed for cosmetic enhancement or restorative purposes, crown lengthening helps create healthier conditions for your teeth and gums.
Why Choose Dr. Bradley Lander for Crown Lengthening?
Successful crown lengthening requires careful planning and a detailed understanding of both periodontal health and smile aesthetics.
Dr. Bradley Lander provides advanced periodontal care using modern surgical techniques designed to preserve healthy tissue while achieving predictable, natural-looking results.
Whether you’re improving the appearance of a gummy smile or preparing a tooth for restorative treatment, Dr. Lander develops a personalized treatment plan focused on your long-term oral health and the best possible outcome.
Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Bradley Lander
If you’ve been told you need crown lengthening before a dental crown, or you’re unhappy with the appearance of a gummy smile, a consultation with an experienced periodontist can help you understand your treatment options.
Dr. Bradley Lander provides comprehensive periodontal care for patients throughout Beverly Hills, helping them achieve healthier gums, successful restorative treatment, and more confident smiles.
Contact our Beverly Hills practice today to schedule your consultation with an experienced Periodontist Beverly Hills and discover whether crown lengthening is the right solution for your smile.