Expose more tooth structure for better restorations and fix your gummy smile with precise periodontal surgery
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth structure by removing excess gum tissue and, if necessary, some underlying bone. Despite its name, it doesn't actually lengthen the crown—it makes the visible portion of the tooth longer by reducing the amount of gum covering it.
This procedure is performed when a tooth needs restoration (crown, bridge, or filling) but not enough sound tooth structure remains above the gumline. By lengthening the crown, we ensure that the restoration has adequate tooth structure for retention and longevity.
Aesthetic crown lengthening addresses the "gummy smile"—when excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling. This procedure creates a more balanced proportion between tooth and gum display.
Biologic width is perhaps the most important concept in crown lengthening. It refers to the natural space that exists between the bone and the soft tissue, and between the soft tissue and any restoration margin. This space—typically 3-4mm from the crest of bone to the margin of a restoration—is biologically necessary for gum health.
If a restoration margin is placed closer to the bone than biologic width allows, your body recognizes it as a foreign object and attempts to separate it. This leads to chronic inflammation, bone loss, and eventual tooth loss. By performing crown lengthening, we ensure that proper biologic width is maintained, protecting the long-term health of the tooth.
The ferrule effect refers to the reinforcing band of tooth structure that surrounds a prepared tooth under a crown. Research shows that restorations have significantly higher success rates and longevity when they have at least 1mm of tooth structure above the gumline extending around the entire tooth. Crown lengthening exposes this critical ferrule, dramatically improving restoration outcomes.
After crown lengthening, the body responds with inflammation and remodeling. New collagen fibers form, epithelium regenerates, and bone stabilizes in its new position. The first 2-3 weeks involve inflammatory response. Weeks 3-12 involve epithelial healing and maturation. By 3-4 months, stable new tissues have formed and the final aesthetic result is achieved.
For aesthetic crown lengthening, understanding dental proportions is key. Research shows that patients find smiles most attractive when the gum-to-tooth ratio shows 1-2mm of gum tissue above the gumline in the smile zone. When excess gum is visible (3-4mm or more), the teeth appear shorter and the smile less balanced.
Dr. Ahn combines surgical precision with aesthetic vision
Book Your Crown Lengthening ConsultationBefore your crown lengthening procedure, Dr. Ahn conducts a thorough clinical examination and reviews dental imaging to assess the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. For functional cases, he coordinates closely with your restorative dentist to determine the precise amount of tooth structure needed for a successful restoration. For aesthetic cases, Dr. Ahn evaluates your smile line, tooth proportions, and lip position to design a customized treatment plan that achieves a natural, balanced result.
Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Ahn makes precise incisions around the affected teeth to create a small flap of gum tissue. Excess gum tissue is removed, and when necessary, the underlying alveolar bone is carefully recontoured using osseous surgery techniques. This bone reshaping is critical because it establishes the foundation for the new gum position and ensures that proper biologic width is maintained. The tissue is then repositioned at the desired level and secured with sutures. The entire procedure typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth involved.
The first 48 hours involve the most swelling and discomfort, which responds well to ice packs and prescribed medications. A soft diet is recommended for the first one to two weeks. Sutures are removed at approximately 7 to 14 days. During the first 6 to 8 weeks, the gum tissue gradually heals and tightens around the teeth. By 3 to 4 months, the tissue has fully matured and stabilized, and your restorative dentist can proceed with the final crown, bridge, or veneer placement. Throughout healing, gentle brushing with a soft-bristle toothbrush and chlorhexidine rinses help keep the area clean.
Initial healing takes about 6 to 8 weeks, during which the gum tissue reshapes and stabilizes. However, the final aesthetic result is not fully apparent until 3 to 4 months after surgery, when tissue maturation is complete. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days, though you should avoid strenuous exercise for the first week.
Crown lengthening is often necessary when a tooth is broken below the gumline or has deep decay that does not leave enough exposed tooth structure to support a crown or bridge. Without adequate tooth structure and proper biologic width, the restoration is likely to fail or cause chronic gum inflammation. Dr. Ahn evaluates each case individually to determine whether the procedure is needed.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during surgery. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild and well-controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers or a short course of prescribed medication. Most patients describe the recovery as more comfortable than they expected.
Functional crown lengthening is performed to expose more tooth structure so a dental restoration like a crown or bridge can be properly placed. Aesthetic crown lengthening addresses a gummy smile by removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth and create balanced smile proportions. Both procedures involve reshaping gum tissue and sometimes bone, but the goals differ.
Yes. Aesthetic crown lengthening is one of the most effective treatments for a gummy smile. By carefully removing excess gum tissue and recontouring the underlying bone, Dr. Ahn can reveal more of your natural tooth structure and create a more balanced, proportional smile line. Results are permanent and often dramatically improve smile aesthetics.