Crown Lengthening
Crown Lengthening
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure performed to expose more of a tooth’s structure by reshaping or removing small amounts of gum tissue, and in some cases, underlying bone.
At Dental Implants & Aesthetics, this procedure is carried out with precision and care by our in-house periodontist, Dr Georgios Papageorgakopoulos, to improve both the function and aesthetics of your smile.
When Is Crown Lengthening Needed?
Crown lengthening may be recommended for both restorative and cosmetic reasons, such as:
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Restorative Needs: When a tooth has broken or decayed below the gum line, crown lengthening creates enough space to properly place a new crown or restoration.
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Gummy Smile Correction: For patients who feel their smile looks “short” or shows excessive gum tissue, crown lengthening can help achieve a more balanced and proportionate appearance.
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Improving Oral Health: Removing excess gum tissue can make it easier to maintain good hygiene and reduce areas where plaque and bacteria tend to accumulate.
The Procedure
The treatment is typically performed under local anaesthetic for your comfort.
During the procedure, Dr Papageorgakopoulos carefully reshapes the gum line and, if necessary, adjusts the bone around the tooth to expose more of the natural tooth surface.
This ensures a stable foundation for future restorative work or a more harmonious smile line for aesthetic cases.
Healing usually occurs over several weeks, during which the gum tissue naturally recontours and stabilises around the newly exposed tooth.
For Aesthetic Enhancement:
For patients seeking cosmetic improvement, crown lengthening can dramatically refine the appearance of the smile by reducing excess gum display and enhancing the natural proportions of the teeth.
When performed in conjunction with porcelain veneers or ceramic crowns, it helps create a seamless, natural, and symmetrical result.
For Restorative Dentistry:
In cases of fracture, decay, or insufficient tooth structure, crown lengthening provides your dentist with adequate access to perform a stable and long-lasting restoration.
This ensures that restorations fit properly below the gum line, promoting healthy tissue attachment and long-term oral health.
Recovery and Aftercare:
Mild swelling or tenderness can occur in the days following treatment, which can be managed with prescribed care instructions and over-the-counter medication.
You will receive detailed aftercare guidelines from our team to ensure optimal healing.
Follow-up visits allow your periodontist to monitor your progress and determine when the site is ready for final restoration or aesthetic treatment.
Periodontal Treatment at DIA
At Dental Implants & Aesthetics, we combine surgical precision with an understanding of facial aesthetics to achieve predictable, natural-looking results.
If you have been advised that crown lengthening may benefit your smile, whether for restorative or cosmetic reasons, our experienced team will provide a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan.
With our in-house Periodontist, Dr Georgios (George) Papageorgakopoulos, you can feel confident that you are receiving the highest standard of periodontal care, specialising in diagnosing and treating gum disease, from early intervention to complex surgical care and cosmetic gum procedures.
FAQ’s
Crown lengthening is performed under local anaesthetic, ensuring you remain comfortable throughout the procedure. Mild tenderness or swelling may occur after treatment, but this is temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter medication and post-operative care instructions.
Initial healing typically occurs within 7–10 days, while full gum recontouring and stabilisation can take several weeks. Your periodontist will review your progress and advise when the area is ready for final restoration or cosmetic treatment.
Yes. Crown lengthening is often performed for aesthetic reasons, to correct a “gummy smile” and enhance the natural balance between teeth and gums. It can dramatically improve smile harmony, especially when combined with cosmetic treatments like veneers or crowns.
When performed by an experienced periodontist, crown lengthening is a safe and routine procedure. At Dental Implants & Aesthetics, our team follows meticulous surgical protocols to ensure optimal healing, function, and long-term results.
No, once the gum tissue and underlying bone are reshaped, they will not grow back to their original position. The results are stable and long-lasting, provided you maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups.
