Crown Lengthening

Gum Surgery That Sets Your Smile Up for Success

A gentle, in-office procedure where we reshape the gum line to reveal more of your natural tooth — whether your dentist needs more tooth to work with, or you simply want a smile that shows more tooth and less gum.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a procedure where your periodontist carefully removes a small amount of gum tissue — and sometimes a little bone — to expose more of your tooth above the gum line.

Think of it like uncovering more of an iceberg. The tooth was always there — we're simply revealing more of it so your dentist can do their best work, or so your smile looks the way you want it to.

It's done right here in our Austin office, takes less than 90 minutes, and you'll be numb the whole time so you won't feel a thing.

Why Would I Need This?

There are two main reasons people get crown lengthening:

To Fix a Tooth

Sometimes a tooth breaks, decays, or chips so far down that there simply isn't enough of it above the gum line for your dentist to attach a crown to. Before they can restore it, we need to expose more tooth so the crown has something solid to hold onto. Without this step, the crown won't fit properly and could fail.

Common situations:

• A tooth broke off near or below the gum line

• A cavity has crept under the gum

• Your dentist says there isn't enough tooth structure for a crown

• An old filling or crown needs to be replaced and there's not enough room to work

To Improve Your Smile

Some people have what's often called a "gummy smile" — when you smile, you show more gum than tooth, making the teeth look short or uneven. Crown lengthening can reveal more of each tooth, creating a longer, more balanced smile.

Common situations:

• Your teeth look short or stubby when you smile

• Your gum line is uneven from tooth to tooth

• You're getting veneers and want the proportions to look just right

What Happens During the Procedure?

You'll be completely numb, so there's no pain. Here's the simple version of what happens:

1. We numb the area — you won't feel anything. If you're nervous, we can offer sedation to help you relax.

2. We gently move the gum tissue aside to get a clear view of the tooth and surrounding bone.

3. We remove a small amount of gum tissue and reshape the area so the right amount of tooth is visible.

4. We close everything up with small stitches and may place a protective dressing over the area.

5. We send you home with clear instructions, a prescription rinse, and anything you need to stay comfortable.

Most people are surprised by how straightforward it is.

What Is Recovery Like?

Recovery is very manageable for most patients. Here's what to expect:

Day 1: Rest at home. Some soreness and mild swelling is normal — ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen handle it well for most people.

Days 2–7: Swelling starts to go down. Eat soft foods (yogurt, eggs, soup, smoothies). Avoid anything crunchy or hard near the area.

Week 1–2: You'll come back so we can remove your stitches and check that everything is healing nicely.

Weeks 4–6: The gum tissue continues to settle into its new position. You'll feel back to normal.

Weeks 6–12: Once the gum is fully healed and stable, your dentist can place the final crown, veneer, or filling. This waiting period is important — rushing it can affect the final result.

6 Things That Will Help You Heal Faster

1. Take it easy the first day — skip the gym and avoid anything that gets your heart rate up.

2. Use the mouth rinse we prescribe — it keeps bacteria away from the healing tissue.

3. Stick to soft foods for the first week — your gum will thank you.

4. Take your medications as directed — even if you feel fine, staying on top of anti-inflammatories for the first couple of days makes a real difference.

5. No smoking or alcohol for at least two weeks — both slow healing significantly and raise the risk of complications.

6. Call us if something feels off — increased pain after day 3, unusual swelling, or anything that concerns you. We'd always rather hear from you.

Questions People Often Ask

Will it hurt?
During the procedure, no — you'll be fully numb. Afterward, most patients describe it as mild soreness for a couple of days, similar to having a tooth pulled. Ibuprofen usually handles it well.

How long until I can get my crown?
Your dentist will need to wait 6–12 weeks before placing the final restoration. The gum needs time to fully settle before we can take an accurate impression. It's worth the wait — it ensures everything fits perfectly.

Will my tooth look weird or too long afterward?
We plan carefully to make sure the result looks natural. Our goal is proper proportions — not just exposing as much tooth as possible. For smile cases, we use photos and measurements to make sure the outcome fits your face.

Can it be done with a laser?
In some cases, yes. If only a small amount of gum tissue needs to be removed and no bone work is needed, our Fotona laser can be a great option — often with less discomfort and faster healing. We'll let you know if you're a good candidate at your consultation.

Does insurance cover it?
If it's being done so your dentist can place a crown or fix a tooth, insurance often covers part of the cost. If it's purely for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered. We'll check your benefits before treatment and walk you through the numbers upfront — no surprises.

Does the gum grow back?
No. Once the tissue and bone are reshaped, the results are permanent as long as you maintain good oral hygiene and come in for your regular cleanings.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If your dentist has referred you for crown lengthening — or if you're curious about whether it could improve your smile — we'd love to talk. We'll take a look, explain exactly what's involved for your specific situation, and answer any questions you have.

Book a Consultation | Call (512) 660-5008