Crown Lengthening: A Safe, Proven Approach to Saving Teeth
Dr. Fred Alger performs crown lengthening procedures that support both the health and appearance of your smile. This periodontal surgery is designed to expose more of the natural tooth structure so your general dentist can restore or enhance your tooth with precision. Whether you need the procedure for restorative purposes or to correct a gummy smile, Dr. Alger ensures results that look natural and feel comfortable.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Each tooth has two main parts:
- The crown, or the visible portion above the gum line
- The root, which anchors the tooth securely in the jawbone
A crown lengthening procedure adjusts the gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone to expose more of the clinical crown. This allows your dentist to access decay or damage beneath the gums or to create proper space for a dental crown or other tooth restoration.
In many cases, crown lengthening is recommended when a tooth is broken near the gum line, has a deep cavity, or does not have enough sound tooth structure to support an artificial crown. By repositioning the soft tissue and sculpting the alveolar bone crest to a more apical (lower) level, Dr. Alger provides the necessary access for long-term oral health and restoration success.
Why Is Crown Lengthening Performed?
There are two primary reasons for crown lengthening:
- Restorative Crown Lengthening
When decay, fracture, or an old filling extends below the gum line, your dentist may need more adequate tooth structure to properly seat a dental crown. By gently lowering the gum and bone tissue, Dr. Alger creates enough exposure for successful treatment. This improves stability, prevents irritation under the collar of the crown, and ensures the crown fits comfortably against your natural tooth. - Esthetic Crown Lengthening
Some patients have excess gum tissue that makes their teeth appear short or uneven, commonly called a gummy smile. In this case, esthetic crown lengthening reshapes the gum line to reveal more enamel and create a balanced, attractive smile.
Both types of procedures are considered minor surgery, typically completed under local anesthesia with minimal discomfort.
What Can I Expect During the Procedure?
Before surgery, Dr. Alger will explain the process in detail and answer any questions you may have. Here’s what to expect on the day of treatment:
- Local anesthesia is gently administered to ensure complete comfort.
- Dr. Alger carefully lifts the gum tissue away from the tooth roots to access the affected area.
- The crown portion of your natural tooth is lengthened by repositioning the gums at a lower, healthier level and suturing them in place.
- If needed, a bit of bone is reshaped to achieve the proper contour and maintain a natural transition between the gum and tooth.
- Once the procedure is complete, sutures are placed and will typically be removed within two weeks.
After healing, your general dentist can proceed with placing a temporary crown, porcelain restoration, or other dental treatments to complete your care.
Recovery and Aftercare
The healing process after crown lengthening is typically smooth and predictable. Mild swelling or tooth sensitivity may occur, but discomfort is minimal and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication or cold compresses.
Dr. Alger will provide specific home care instructions to support recovery, such as:
- Rinsing gently with salt water to keep the surgical site clean
- Avoiding hot foods and sticking to a soft diet for the first few days
- Practicing gentle oral hygiene around the treated area to avoid irritation
- Scheduling a follow-up visit for suture removal and evaluation
Within six weeks, most patients are ready to return to their general dentist for crown placement or other restorative work. The result is a healthier, stronger, and more balanced smile.
Advanced Techniques and Proven Results
While some clinicians perform crown lengthening by removing bone without elevating the gum flap, Dr. Alger believes that proper osseous recontouring and apical repositioning of the flap produce more predictable results. By combining precision, advanced instruments, and decades of experience, he ensures that both the functional and esthetic aspects of your smile are preserved.
This attention to detail also helps reduce the risk of chronic inflammation or future gum disease, ensuring the treated tooth remains stable and healthy for years to come.
Is Crown Lengthening Right for Me?
If you’ve been told that your tooth can’t be restored because there isn’t enough structure above the gum line, or if you’re bothered by a gummy smile, crown lengthening may be the ideal solution. Dr. Alger can assess your needs, explain your treatment options, and create a personalized plan that prioritizes both comfort and results.