When your dentist mentions crown lengthening, you might wonder what this procedure involves and whether it’s right for your situation. Crown lengthening addresses various dental concerns, from preparing teeth for restorative work to improving the appearance of your smile when gums cover too much of your teeth.
Dr. Laura Sharbash at Newport Beach Dental Center provides comprehensive crown lengthening procedures to help patients achieve optimal oral health and aesthetics. Whether you need this treatment for functional or cosmetic reasons, understanding the process helps you feel confident about your upcoming procedure and recovery.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that removes excess gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of your tooth’s surface. This treatment creates the proper foundation for dental crowns when insufficient tooth structure remains above the gumline or improves smile aesthetics when gums appear disproportionate to teeth.
The procedure serves both functional and cosmetic purposes in modern dentistry. Functional crown lengthening prepares teeth for restorative work by ensuring adequate tooth structure for proper crown retention. Cosmetic crown lengthening addresses “gummy smiles” where excessive gum tissue makes teeth appear short or uneven.
According to the American Dental Association, crowns can strengthen teeth with large cavities when there isn’t enough healthy tooth structure to hold a filling. Crown lengthening often becomes necessary before crown placement to ensure the long-term success of these restorations.
When Is Crown Lengthening Necessary?
Several situations may require crown lengthening to achieve optimal dental health and function. Understanding these scenarios helps patients recognize when this procedure becomes beneficial for their treatment plan.
Crown lengthening becomes essential when teeth require dental crowns but lack sufficient tooth structure above the gumline. Decay extending below the gumline or fractured teeth often need crown lengthening before restoration can proceed successfully. The procedure ensures adequate space between the crown margin and supporting bone structure, preventing complications and promoting healthy gum tissue around the restoration.
Cosmetic crown lengthening addresses aesthetic concerns when gums cover excessive amounts of tooth surfaces, creating an unbalanced smile appearance. The procedure creates better tooth-to-gum proportions, revealing more of the natural tooth structure and improving overall smile harmony.
The Crown Lengthening Process
Understanding each step of crown lengthening helps patients prepare for their procedure and know what to expect throughout their treatment journey. The process involves careful planning, precise execution, and dedicated follow-up care.
Your consultation includes a comprehensive examination of your teeth, gums, and bone structure to determine the best approach for your situation. Dr. Sharbash discusses your treatment goals, timeline, and any concerns you may have about the procedure.
Crown lengthening typically involves local anesthesia to ensure your comfort throughout the treatment. The procedure carefully removes excess gum tissue and, when necessary, small amounts of bone to achieve the desired tooth exposure and contours. Modern techniques minimize discomfort and promote faster healing while achieving precise results.
Initial healing typically occurs within one to two weeks, during which you may experience mild swelling and discomfort that is manageable with prescribed medications. Complete tissue maturation takes several months, after which any planned restorative work can proceed.
Benefits and Recovery Expectations
Recovery from crown lengthening involves managing any discomfort and protecting the surgical site from irritation during the first few days. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though strenuous exercise should be avoided initially.
Professional crown lengthening provides numerous advantages for both oral health and aesthetic outcomes. Functional benefits include improved success rates for dental crowns and other restorations by ensuring adequate tooth structure. Aesthetic improvements often exceed patients’ expectations, creating more balanced and attractive smile proportions.
Long-term oral health benefits include easier maintenance of restored teeth and reduced risk of future complications. Properly contoured gums promote better oral hygiene and help prevent recurring dental problems in treated areas.
Crown Lengthening at Newport Beach Dental Center
Crown lengthening can significantly improve both the function and appearance of your teeth when performed by an experienced dental team. Whether you need this procedure for restorative preparation or cosmetic enhancement, professional treatment ensures optimal results and comfortable recovery. Dr. Laura Sharbash’s extensive training as a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry and her commitment to advanced periodontal techniques provide patients with comprehensive crown lengthening solutions. Her recognition as one of 10 “Dentists to Watch” by AGD Impact reflects her dedication to excellence in all aspects of dental care, including sophisticated periodontal procedures. Contact our Newport Beach office today to schedule your crown lengthening consultation and discover how this treatment can enhance your oral health and smile confidence, or call (949) 760-9212.
