Specialist periodontal & implant care — Beverly Hills
350 S Beverly Drive, Suite 160 (310) 553-2940
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Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening reshapes gum tissue and, when needed, bone. It can expose tooth structure for a restoration or change how much gum shows in your smile.

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Two reasons for crown lengthening.

Your dentist may recommend this procedure when decay or a fracture leaves too little accessible tooth for a crown. Treatment exposes more sound tooth structure for the restoration.

For esthetic treatment, we assess your tooth proportions, gumline, and smile. The cause of excess gum display determines whether crown lengthening is appropriate.

What crown lengthening can change.

  • A tooth needing a crown

    Expose sound tooth structure so your dentist can plan a restoration.

  • Excess gum coverage

    Reveal more of the tooth when gum tissue covers part of its natural crown.

  • An uneven gumline

    Adjust selected areas to improve balance across the smile.

  • Teeth that appear short

    Assess whether gum coverage, tooth wear, or another factor is responsible.

Planning the gumline.

  1. 01

    Assess your smile and teeth

    We examine the gum and bone levels and discuss what you would like to change.

  2. 02

    Review the options

    We explain whether gum surgery can address the cause and when another treatment may help.

  3. 03

    Agree on the plan

    For a restorative case, we coordinate with the dentist making your crown.

  4. 04

    Treat and review

    We reshape the area and check healing before the final restoration is completed.

Allow time for the gumline to settle.

Soreness and swelling can follow treatment. We provide instructions for cleaning, eating, and looking after the area as it heals.

The wait before a final crown depends on the site and the procedure. Front teeth may need a longer healing period because small changes in gum position affect appearance. We coordinate the timing with your dentist.

Before & after

Treatment results

Before and after photographs of the same patient. Treatment and healing vary from person to person.

Patient smiling before esthetic crown lengthening
The same patient smiling after esthetic crown lengthening
Esthetic crown lengthening — smile view Before and after treatment by Dr. Ethan Madison. The close-up below shows the same case.
Upper front teeth and gumline before esthetic crown lengthening
Upper front teeth and gumline of the same patient after esthetic crown lengthening
Esthetic crown lengthening — intraoral view Before and after treatment by Dr. Ethan Madison. Intraoral views of the same patient.

Compare the photographs to see the area before and after treatment.

Crown lengthening FAQ

Crown lengthening questions.

Is crown lengthening always cosmetic?

No. It can be recommended to make a tooth restorable, or chosen to change the appearance of the gumline.

Can it correct every gummy smile?

No. Lip movement, jaw proportions, medication-related changes, and gum coverage can all contribute. The examination helps identify the cause.

Does it involve removing bone?

Sometimes. The relationship between the gum, bone, and planned restoration determines whether bone reshaping is needed.

Will I need a temporary crown?

Your restorative dentist may provide a temporary while the area heals. We agree on this plan before treatment.

Related treatments

Consultation

Talk with us about your smile.

We will assess your gumline, listen to what you would like to change, and explain the options.

Request a Consultation (310) 553-2940