2 doctors in India — verified profiles, ratings, fees and clinic or online consultation.
MDS - Periodontist and Implantologist
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Dentist
I am Dr. Priyanka Majji, an MDS-qualified Periodontist, Implantologist, and Cosmetic Dentist at Kiran Dental Clinic, Vizianagaram. With 14 years of experien…
Dental Surgeon
Dentist
Dental Surgery
Dr. Neha Nannore BDS | General Dentist Dr. Neha Nannore completed her BDS from Nair Hospital Dental College, Mumbai, in 2016 and has been actively practicing…
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Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that exposes more of a tooth’s structure by gently removing a small amount of gum tissue and sometimes bone around it. This helps when there is not enough visible tooth above the gumline to place a crown, bridge, or filling properly. The “crown” in crown lengthening refers to the restored or repaired part of the tooth, not the artificial crown itself. By making more of the natural tooth available, the dentist can create a more stable, long-lasting restoration that fits better and looks more natural.
Crown lengthening is also used for cosmetic reasons, for example, to reduce a “gummy” smile where too much gum shows when smiling. The procedure is usually done by a periodontist (gum specialist) or dentist in a clinic setting under local anesthesia. It is a predictable and commonly performed treatment that helps both function and appearance.
Crown lengthening may be recommended for people who:
● Need a dental crown or large filling but there isn’t enough tooth above the gumline
● Have a fractured or decayed tooth below the gum tissue
● Want to improve a gummy smile
● Have uneven gum levels affecting the look of the smile
● Need better access for dental restoration or hygiene
● Have short clinical crowns that make dental work difficult
Your dentist or periodontist evaluates your mouth, tooth position, bone level, and gum health to decide if crown lengthening is suitable.
There are two main types of crown lengthening:
1. Functional Crown Lengthening
This is done to expose healthy tooth structure so a crown, filling, or other restoration can be placed successfully.
2. Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
This is done to improve the appearance of the gums and teeth, especially in people who show too much gum when they smile.
Sometimes both functional and cosmetic goals are achieved in the same procedure.
Crown lengthening is usually performed in a dental clinic under local anesthesia:
1. Preparation and Anesthesia
The area around the tooth is numbed so you feel little or no pain during the procedure.
2. Gum Lift and Tissue Removal
The periodontist gently lifts the gum tissue around the tooth and removes a small amount of excess gum and sometimes bone to expose more of the tooth.
3. Recontouring and Shaping
The shape of the gum and bone is adjusted to create a natural and pleasing contour.
4. Placement of Sutures
Once the correct amount of tooth is exposed, the gum tissue is repositioned and secured with sutures (stitches).
5. Immediate Aftercare
A protective dressing may be placed to help healing and comfort.
The procedure typically takes 30–60 minutes per area, depending on how much adjustment is needed.
After crown lengthening, proper care improves healing and comfort:
● Pain and Discomfort: Mild soreness, swelling, or tenderness is common for a few days. Pain medicines and cold packs can help.
● Bleeding: Small amounts of blood may be seen in saliva on the first day but usually reduce quickly.
● Oral Hygiene: Gentle brushing around the area is recommended. Your dentist may suggest salt-water rinses or a special mouthwash to keep the area clean.
● Diet: Eat soft food for a few days and avoid hard, crunchy, spicy, or hot foods that may irritate the area.
● Activity: Avoid vigorous exercise for 24–48 hours to reduce the risk of bleeding.
● Suture Care: The stitches may dissolve on their own or be removed at a follow-up visit.
Full healing of gum and bone tissues generally takes several weeks, and your dentist will advise when it is ready for the final crown or restoration.
Crown lengthening is generally safe, but some risks may include:
● Discomfort or swelling
● Bleeding during early healing
● Infection (rare with good oral hygiene)
● Sensitivity of the tooth to hot or cold after exposure
● Gum recession (more gum may heal away from the tooth)
● Temporary or slight change in bite
Your dentist explains these risks and gives instructions to reduce problems and support healing.
Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes a small amount of gum and sometimes bone to expose more of the natural tooth so a crown or restoration can be placed.
You are numbed with local anaesthesia, so you should feel little to no pain during the procedure. Mild soreness after is common and manageable.
Initial healing takes 1–2 weeks, but full gum and bone healing takes several weeks. Your dentist advises when it is safe to restore the tooth.
Yes, in cosmetic cases this procedure can make smiles look longer and more balanced by reducing excessive gum.
Some sensitivity to hot or cold may occur after the procedure because more of the tooth is exposed, but this usually lessens over time.
Yes. Your dentist places sutures to help the gum tissue heal in the correct position.
Stick to soft foods for a few days and avoid hard or crunchy foods near the treated area until healing improves.
Yes. Once healed, the new gum and bone levels are stable. However, good oral hygiene is important to maintain health.
