Gummy smile - crown lengthening

Dental crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed by periodontists to reshape the gum line and expose more of the tooth’s surface.

It is often used to correct a “gummy smile” or to prepare a tooth for a filling or crown when there’s not enough exposed tooth structure.

Purpose: The procedure aims to improve the aesthetics of a smile by reducing the appearance of excessive gum tissue or to provide adequate tooth structure for restorative work.

How it works: During crown lengthening, a periodontist makes small incisions in the gums to pull them back, then removes excess gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth’s crown.

When it is needed:

• Aesthetic concerns: If a patient feels their teeth appear too short or their smile is too gummy, crown lengthening can create a more balanced and pleasing appearance.
• Restorative needs: When a tooth is broken below the gum line or has insufficient structure for a filling or crown, crown lengthening can provide the necessary space for the restoration.

Procedure: The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia, and sutures are used to close the incisions.

Recovery: Recovery time can vary, but patients can usually return to normal activities within a few days, with full healing taking a couple of months.