CCSA
Charles County
Surgical Arts

Reshaping Gums for a Healthier, More Beautiful Smile

Revealing the Full Potential of Your Smile

Crown lengthening is a common surgical procedure performed to expose more of a tooth's surface. This is achieved by carefully reshaping the gum tissue, and sometimes the underlying bone, around one or more teeth. This procedure can be performed for both restorative and cosmetic reasons, helping to improve the health, function, and appearance of your smile.

Whether preparing a tooth for a restoration or correcting a "gummy smile," our expert team performs crown lengthening with precision and care to achieve optimal results.

When is Crown Lengthening Recommended?

  • Restoring Damaged Teeth: a tooth is broken or decayed below the gum line, crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth so it can be effectively restored with a crown or filling.
  • Enabling Dental Restorations: It creates the necessary space between the supporting bone and a new restoration (like a crown) to ensure a proper fit and prevent future gum irritation.
  • Cosmetic Enhancement: For patients who feel their teeth appear too short or have a "gummy smile," this procedure can remove excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.

The Crown Lengthening Procedure

Your comfort is our priority. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. During the treatment, a small amount of gum tissue is removed to expose the necessary amount of tooth structure. In some cases, a minimal amount of bone may also be reshaped. The area is then sutured to allow for proper healing, revealing a healthier and more harmonious gumline.