Crown Lengthening
Improve the Appearance of a Gummy Smile
Do you wish your smile had a more even appearance? One tactic dentists use to achieve this is a procedure called crown lengthening. Crown lengthening can make teeth look longer and can also prepare a tooth for a dental restoration, such as a crown. At A+ Family Dentistry, we are able to offer our patients crown lengthening procedures in order to help them achieve a healthy, beautiful smile.
What Is Dental Crown Lengthening?
Dental crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue—and sometimes a small amount of bone—to expose more of your natural tooth. This can:
- Improve smile symmetry
- Enables proper placement of crowns or fillings
- Enhance the aesthetics of your smile
It’s a simple, effective treatment that brings both cosmetic and functional benefits.
Why Might I Need Crown Lengthening?
You have one or more teeth that seem too short.
There is excessive gum tissue around one or more of your teeth.
Your tooth/teeth are difficult to clean due to their position in your mouth.
Your tooth/teeth are difficult to clean due to their position in your mouth.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
- Creates a longer, balanced smile
- Provides access for crowns, veneers, or fillings
- Prevents future oral complications
- Supports better oral hygiene
- Enhances both aesthetics and function
- Offers permanent improvement with proper care
Signs Crown Lengthening May Be Right for You
There are a few signs that may indicate that crown lengthening could be right for you, including:
- You have one or more teeth that seem too short.
- There is excessive gum tissue around one or more of your teeth.
- Your tooth/teeth are difficult to clean due to their position in your mouth.
- You are considering getting a dental restoration, but there is not enough tooth structure exposed to support the restoration.
Is Crown Lengthening Painful?
We will numb the treatment area with local anesthesia so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. After the numbing medication wears off following your appointment, you may experience some discomfort and swelling in the treatment area. We will prescribe medication or make other recommendations to help manage any pain or discomfort you may feel.
Healing & Aftercare
Most patients heal in 1 to 2 weeks with minimal discomfort. Here’s what to expect:
- Swelling or tenderness
- Sensitivity to hot/cold
- A soft-food diet for a few days
Our team will give you easy-to-follow instructions and check in regularly to ensure your gums heal beautifully.
Contact A+ Family Dentistry for Your Crown Lengthening Consultation
If you are considering crown lengthening or have any questions about the procedure, we invite you to contact A+ Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your treatment. With over 20 years of experience and three convenient locations, we're dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We look forward to talking with you soon!
What to Expect from the Procedure
We assess your teeth and gums using digital X-rays or 3D scans to plan your treatment.
Local anesthesia is applied, and sedation options are available for added ease.
Our skilled dentist removes gum tissue and, if needed, reshapes the underlying bone to reveal more of your tooth.
The area is sutured and cleaned, and we’ll provide detailed aftercare for a smooth recovery.
How It Supports Other Dental Treatments
Crown lengthening lays the groundwork for:
- Crowns & Bridges – Secure them in place
-
Veneers – Enhances placement and longevity
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Tooth-Colored Fillings – Enables access to deep cavities
-
Smile Makeovers – Provides a clean, even gum line for flawless results
Risks and Considerations
As with any minor surgery, you may experience:
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Mild swelling
-
Bleeding or sensitivity
-
Rare risk of infection
We’ll walk you through everything, and our modern techniques make healing fast and comfortable.
Ready For Care
Your Next Visit Starts Here
Simple steps before your appointment
After you explore your options, our team makes the next step feel clear. From forms and financing conversations to appointment timing, we'll help you understand what comes next before you arrive.
Patient Forms
Save time before your visit with simple new-patient paperwork and a team ready to help you prepare.
Flexible Options
Talk through insurance, membership plans, and financing choices before moving forward with care.
Clear Scheduling
Choose the office and appointment time that works best, then arrive knowing what to expect.
Reviews
From the patients who know us best.
We're proud of the relationships we build — here's what our San Diego, Sorrento Valley, and Poway patients are saying.
"A+ dentistry has been awesome! I hadn't been to the dentist in over a year, so they took a full scan of my mouth and explained in detail every step I should take to improve my hygiene and any procedures they recommended. They were transparent on each service and did not try to sell me anything."
"10/10. The best dentist I've ever been to, and I've been to quite a few considering I move around a lot. Dr. Victor, Jahaida, and staff are very kind. They take pretty good care of you."
"I've been coming to A+ for years for cleanings, fillings, and Invisalign. Everyone has been amazing, from the dental hygienists to dental assistants, the doctors and the front desk staff."
"Was recommended by a friend and it was the best recommendation to date! Dr. Justine and assistants were all so kind. They spoke about costs upfront and earned my trust with their transparency."
"I cannot recommend this place enough. Went here for a 2nd opinion. Their office was so nice, clean, and well equipped. The staff is amazing — they made me feel so comfortable."
"If you're looking for the best, you found it. I feel very lucky that my wife and I found this practice. They have an amazing staff and the latest and greatest technology."