Periodontics

Crown Lengthening

Reshape gum tissue for a healthier bite or a more balanced smile.

Two clinicians during a surgical procedure

Periodontics

A small reshaping that solves a big problem.

Crown lengthening is a procedure for patients who are unhappy with the proportion of teeth to gums in their smile, often referred to as a “gummy smile.” The procedure involves removing excess gum tissue and recontouring the gumline to create a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing appearance. If crown lengthening is being performed in preparation for a dental restoration, the underlying bone may also be modified to allow the permanent restoration to be placed properly.

If you have a gummy smile, this does not necessarily indicate underlying health issues, but it is possible that your gummy smile is the result of an issue with the initial development of your jawbone. When the upper jaw bone bulges more than normal, it can create the appearance of a gummy smile and can also cause malocclusion, which will result in other health issues over time. A gummy smile can also be the result of an overactive lip, which can cause the upper lip to be pulled higher than normal.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, our specialty-trained periodontists our specialty-trained periodontists have years of experience treating a wide range of stages of gum disease and placing dental implants. To learn more about crown lengthening, our clinic facilities, or to schedule an appointment, contact our Alexandria, VA office at (703) 823-2422 or our Washington, D.C. office at (202) 296-3360.

Three clinicians during a periodontal procedure

The Procedure

What to expect from your treatment.

Here's what your crown lengthening treatment looks like, step by step.

Your Crown Lengthening

Prior to your crown lengthening, your periodontist will review your X-rays and medical history. On the day of your crown lengthening procedure, your periodontist will administer a local anesthetic and sedative, if necessary. Once you are properly numbed, your periodontist will begin making incisions that will pull the gums away from the tooth or teeth, which will expose the surrounding bone and roots of the teeth. Next, the area will be washed, and the gum tissue will be reattached so the healing process can begin.

Pros and Cons of Crown Lengthening

Although crown lengthening is a safe procedure that is commonly performed, there are certain advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before committing to having this procedure performed.

Advantages of crown lengthening include:

Disadvantages of crown lengthening include:

Long-lasting results
Creates a more balanced smile
Reduces the risk of tooth decay
Improves your ability to practice good oral self-care
Surgery can typically be performed in under one hour
Cost: The final cost of having this procedure performed will vary, but averages between $1,000 and $4,000
Not covered by insurance if not medically warranted
Post-procedure recovery involving minor pain and swelling
Potential (rare) for surgical complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding

Recovery & Aftercare

A short recovery, a long-term result.

The recovery period following a crown lengthening procedure is typically very fast and smooth, unless more advanced treatment is needed, in which case healing can take longer. While you can resume normal activities, it is a good idea to avoid strenuous activities for at least the next two or three days. You may need to take over-the-counter pain relieving/anti-inflammatory medication and ice the area for the first 24 hours. It is also recommended that patients stick to a soft food diet and avoid foods or beverages that are not too hot. It is also recommended that you avoid alcohol and strenuous activity to prevent bleeding from occurring. It is common to experience mild bleeding and tooth sensitivity, but these will typically ease over time.

Once you have completed the recovery process, it will not be necessary to follow special aftercare instructions, but it is important to continue practicing good daily oral hygiene. Brush and floss twice daily, and schedule regular visits to your periodontist to ensure that your teeth receive regular professional cleanings, which will reduce your risk of developing gingivitis or periodontitis. If you follow these best practices, you will enjoy a bright and healthy smile for many years to come

Frequently Asked

Common questions about this treatment.

What is the Crown Lengthening Procedure?

Have you always been unhappy with the appearance of your smile? Is it the large size of your gums, or how small your teeth look in comparison? You may not be aware that there is a cosmetic dental procedure that is the solution for your concerns. Alexandria Crown lengthening is a dental procedure where extra gum and bone tissue are surgically removed to expose more of your natural teeth. The procedure is the perfect solution to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile. If you just recently learned about the crown lengthening procedure, you may be interested in learning more about what exactly is involved in the procedure and what the recovery period is like. Here is more information on crown lengthening to get you started.

Do I Need Crown Lengthening?

Has your dentist recently recommended a crown lengthening washington dc procedure and you are wondering if the procedure is right for you? Maybe your teeth look a little small and your gums look oversized. Or maybe you have a tooth that is broken below the gumline that needs to be repaired. Regardless of the reason, the crown lengthening procedure may be the solution you need to help improve both your smile and your oral health. Here is a bit more information about the crown lengthening procedure to help you decide if it is the right treatment for you. The crown lengthening procedure is a minor periodontal surgery. The goal of this procedure is to reduce and reshape the gum tissue to expose more of the natural teeth. During the procedure, gum tissue is surgically removed and reshaped. In some more advance cases, bone may be removed as well. Depending on the reasoning for getting the procedure, crown lengthening may need to be done on just one tooth, or several teeth. The procedure commonly occurs in just a few steps:

What should I know about Crown Lengthening Pain, Healing and Risk?

The recovery period for crown lengthening lasts approximately 3 months. Immediately after the procedure, some minimal pain and swelling will occur. Ice and over the counter pain medication will help with initial pain and swelling. Your dentist or oral surgeon will provide a few additional tips to help with recovery, including: Avoiding all of these things after the procedure will help to minimize the risk of extra bleeding and delayed healing. There are some possible risks involved in the crown lengthening procedure. First, as with any surgery, the procedure introduces the risk of infection. Following the surgeon’s instructions for recovery will help prevent infection. If you aren’t sure about your instructions you were provided, contact your dental office with any questions you have. Additional risks include excessive bleeding after the procedure, and sensitivity to hot and cold. Any of the discomfort, bleeding, or sensitivity will lessen after a few days. Lastly, the crown lengthening procedure might make it more difficult to have a dental implant installed or a damaged tooth restored in the future.

Cost & Payment

Money shouldn't stand between you and the care you deserve.

The cost of crown lengthening will depend on a variety of factors, including your dental insurance plan, whether or not additional procedures are required, and the severity of your case.

At Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that money is not a deterrent to our patients receiving the optimal dental health care they deserve. For this reason, we offer a range of payment options regardless of what type of treatment you are having, which our staff will be happy to explain and assist with. Our office insurance coordinators work with other insurance companies to assist patients with their claims.

For your convenience, Precision Periodontics and Implant Dentistry accepts cash, check, debit, and credit cards (Mastercard, American Express, Visa, and Discover). Our clinic also accepts GreenSky Patient Solutions, a financing option for procedures and treatments not typically covered by insurance or when insurance does not cover the entire cost. We are happy to provide an application in our office. You can find out more information about this service at https://www.greensky.com/patient-faq/.

For your convenience, we accept: