Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and, when necessary, bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure. At Wilmette Dental in Wilmette, IL, our doctors perform crown lengthening to prepare teeth for restorative treatment or to improve the appearance of a gummy smile, creating proper proportions between teeth and gums.
Why Crown Lengthening Is Performed
Crown lengthening is recommended when there is insufficient tooth structure above the gum line to support a crown or filling, when tooth fracture or decay extends below the gum line, when gum tissue covers too much of the visible tooth, creating a gummy smile, or when preparing for other restorative procedures requiring adequate tooth exposure.
The procedure creates the necessary tooth structure for successful restoration while maintaining healthy gum tissue and proper biological proportions.
Functional Vs. Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Functional crown lengthening
Addresses clinical necessity. When a tooth is broken, decayed, or naturally short with insufficient structure above the gum line, crown lengthening exposes additional tooth surface to allow proper restoration placement. Without adequate tooth structure, crowns cannot be placed securely and are prone to failure.
Cosmetic crown lengthening
Improves smile aesthetics by removing excess gum tissue covering the teeth, creating a more balanced gum line, and revealing more of the natural tooth. This addresses a gummy smile where teeth appear short due to excessive gum coverage rather than actual tooth size.
Our doctors determine which type of crown lengthening is appropriate based on clinical examination and the specific goals of treatment.
Reshaping Gum & Bone Levels
Crown lengthening precisely removes gum tissue and, when necessary, a small amount of underlying bone to expose the desired amount of tooth structure. The gum tissue is then repositioned and sutured at the new level to heal properly.
The procedure is conservative and carefully controlled, removing only what is necessary to achieve the desired functional or aesthetic result while protecting long-term periodontal health.
Preparing Teeth For Restorations
Crown lengthening creates the foundation for successful restorative treatment. Once gums have healed and stabilized, typically two to three months following surgery, our doctors can place crowns, fillings, or other restorations with confidence that they will fit properly, seal effectively, and last for many years.
This procedure often makes the difference between saving a tooth and requiring extraction when adequate tooth structure is not naturally present above the gum line.
The Surgical Process Explained
Crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia, with sedation available for anxious patients. Our doctors carefully remove excess gum tissue and, if needed, a small amount of bone to expose the planned amount of tooth structure. The tissue is sutured into position at the new level to heal optimally.
The procedure is typically completed in one appointment. For cosmetic crown lengthening involving multiple teeth, treatment may require additional time.
Healing & Recovery Timeline
Initial healing occurs within one to two weeks. The gum tissue fully stabilizes over two to three months before final restorations are placed.
Post-surgical care includes:
- Managing swelling with ice packs
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Eating soft foods while healing
- Gentle oral hygiene around treated areas
- Avoiding the surgical site when brushing initially
Most patients experience minimal discomfort and return to normal activities within a few days.
Improving Tooth Structure & Smile Balance
Crown lengthening creates proper proportions between tooth and gum, ensuring adequate tooth structure for restoration while leaving healthy gum tissue to protect the tooth. For cosmetic cases, it creates a balanced, proportionate gum line that enhances smile aesthetics.
Functional & Aesthetic Results
At Wilmette Dental, our doctors perform crown lengthening with surgical precision and attention to both functional and aesthetic outcomes. Call our Wilmette, IL office or book online to schedule your consultation.