Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth structure by removing excess gum tissue and, when necessary, bone. At The Dental Difference in Brick, NJ, Dr. Mosmen performs crown lengthening to prepare teeth for restorative treatment or to improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
This procedure creates the access and foundation needed for successful long-term dental care.
When Crown Lengthening Is Needed
Crown lengthening is recommended when there isn’t enough tooth structure above the gum line to support a crown or filling, when a tooth breaks at or below the gum line, when decay extends beneath the gums, when gum tissue covers too much of the teeth, creating a gummy smile, or when preparing for other restorative procedures that require adequate tooth exposure.
The procedure creates the necessary tooth structure for successful restoration while maintaining healthy gum tissue.
Improving Tooth Structure Exposure
When a tooth is broken, decayed, or naturally short, there may not be enough tooth structure above the gum line to hold a crown or filling securely. Crown lengthening removes gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of the natural tooth, creating a stable foundation for the restoration and ensuring a proper fit and seal.
Without adequate tooth structure, restorations are more likely to fail, come loose, or allow bacteria to enter beneath the crown.
Functional Vs. Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Functional crown lengthening is performed to expose tooth structure for restorative purposes. The goal is to create enough healthy tooth above the gum line to support a crown, bridge, or filling. This type of crown lengthening is medically necessary to save and restore the tooth.
Cosmetic crown lengthening addresses a gummy smile by removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth. This creates a more balanced, proportionate smile where the teeth appear longer, and the gum line is even. Cosmetic crown lengthening is an elective procedure performed for aesthetic improvement.
The Surgical Process
Crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for anxious patients. Dr. Mosmen carefully removes excess gum tissue and, if necessary, a small amount of bone to expose the desired amount of tooth structure. The gum tissue is then sutured into position to heal at the new level.
The procedure is precise and conservative, removing only what’s necessary to achieve the desired result while protecting long-term gum health.
Healing & Recovery Timeline
Recovery from crown lengthening typically takes one to two weeks for initial healing. The gum tissue fully stabilizes over the next two to three months.
Post-operative care includes:
- Managing swelling with ice packs
- Taking prescribed medications as directed
- Eating soft foods while healing
- Avoiding the surgical area when brushing initially
- Rinsing gently with a prescribed mouth rinse
Most patients return to normal activities within a few days. Dr. Mosmen monitors your healing and ensures the tissue is stable before proceeding with final restorations.
Supporting Restorative Dentistry
Crown lengthening creates the foundation needed for successful restorative treatment. Once the gums have healed and stabilized, Dr. Mosmen can place a crown, filling, or other restoration with confidence that it will fit properly, seal effectively, and last for many years.
This procedure is often the difference between saving a tooth and losing it to extraction.
Gum Health Considerations
Maintaining healthy gum tissue around crowned teeth is essential for long-term success. Crown lengthening creates proper proportions between tooth and gum, ensuring there’s adequate tooth structure above the gum line to support the restoration while leaving healthy attached gum tissue to protect the tooth.
Dr. Mosmen carefully plans each crown lengthening procedure to balance functional needs with optimal gum health.
Create The
Foundation For Success
At The Dental Difference, crown lengthening is performed with precision and care to support both restorative and cosmetic goals. Dr. Mosmen's surgical expertise ensures excellent outcomes and long-term success for your dental treatment. Call our Brick, NJ office or book online if you've been told you need crown lengthening or if you're unhappy with a gummy smile. Dr. Mosmen will evaluate your needs and create a treatment plan that achieves your goals.