GUMLINE RESHAPING
Crown Lengthening
Reshape the gumline to balance a gummy smile or expose the tooth structure needed for a filling, crown, or veneer.
Reshape the gumline to balance a gummy smile or expose the tooth structure needed for a filling, crown, or veneer.
Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue, and, when necessary, a small amount of bone, to expose more of the natural tooth. It is a versatile procedure with both aesthetic and restorative uses.
For patients with a gummy smile, crown lengthening can rebalance visual proportions so the teeth look their natural length and the gumline frames the smile. The result is a more even, natural-looking appearance.
Restoratively, crown lengthening can expose enough healthy tooth structure for a filling, crown, or veneer when a cavity or fracture extends beneath the gumline.
The procedure serves both cosmetic and functional goals depending on the case.
Excess gum tissue or an uneven gumline can make teeth look short and disproportionate. Reshaping the contour restores natural visual balance.
When a cavity or fracture reaches beneath the gumline, exposing more tooth structure gives your restorative dentist the access needed to place a lasting filling or crown.
A reshaped gumline can be easier to clean and can support better long-term tooth stability, especially when paired with restorative treatment planned by your general dentist.
Crown lengthening is a straightforward outpatient procedure done under local anesthesia.
We examine the mouth, teeth, and gums to identify the extent of gum tissue involved. X-rays confirm the health of the underlying bone and tooth roots.
A treatment plan is designed around your specific anatomy and goals, whether cosmetic, restorative, or both, to make results predictable.
The treatment area is fully numbed for a comfortable experience throughout the procedure.
Excess gum tissue and, if needed, a small amount of bone are carefully removed. The gumline is then reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
A follow-up visit around six weeks later confirms full healing and that the final result meets the plan.
For minimal cases, full healing is expected within just a few days. More involved treatment takes a little longer, but you generally do not need to change activity level or diet significantly. Soft foods for a few days and a return to normal routine the next day is typical.
When the local anesthesia wears off, you may notice some discomfort. If needed, we can prescribe pain relievers. We walk you through exactly how to care for the site and what to watch for during recovery.
We are honored you have chosen us for your periodontal care. At Coastal Periodontics, we believe every patient is unique, not just in dental needs but in values, past experiences, and treatment goals. Our team listens first, then designs a collaborative treatment plan around what matters to you. We pride ourselves on providing a calm, welcoming environment where every detail is handled with compassion. Our approach is grounded in a simple ideology: it is not about a procedure, it is about a long-term relationship. We stay active in continued education and in the community we serve.
Next Step
Whether the goal is cosmetic or restorative, a short evaluation will tell us the right path forward.