Surgical Dentistry

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening, Who Needs it? What’s the Procedure like?

Crown Lengthening

Crown Lengthening in Surrey, BC

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that changes the amount of tooth structure visible above the gumline.

Depending on the reason for treatment, crown lengthening may be recommended to help restore a damaged tooth, improve access to a tooth that has broken below the gumline, or change the appearance of a gummy smile.

At The Dental Group at Central City, we evaluate your teeth, gums, bite, and overall oral health to determine whether crown lengthening may be appropriate for your individual needs.

Our dental office is conveniently located inside The Central City Shopping Centre at:

1117-10153 King George Blvd.
Surrey, BC V3T 2W1

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that exposes more of the natural tooth structure by modifying the gum tissue and, when necessary, the supporting bone around a tooth.

The procedure may be used for either functional or cosmetic reasons.

Functional Crown Lengthening

Functional crown lengthening may be recommended when a tooth does not have enough healthy structure exposed above the gumline for a restoration.

For example, a tooth may be:

  • Severely broken
  • Damaged by decay below the gumline
  • Too short to adequately support a restoration
  • Difficult to access for restorative treatment

By exposing more healthy tooth structure, crown lengthening may help create the space needed for restorative treatment.

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

Cosmetic crown lengthening may be considered when too much gum tissue covers the visible portion of the teeth.

For some patients, removing or reshaping excess gum tissue can make more of the natural tooth visible and change the proportions of the smile.

Cosmetic crown lengthening is different from dental crowns. The goal is to modify the gumline and, when appropriate, surrounding tissues rather than place a dental crown.

Crown Lengthening in Surrey, BC

If you are searching for crown lengthening in Surrey, BC, your treatment should begin with a detailed dental evaluation.

Your dentist may assess:

  • Tooth structure
  • Gum tissue
  • Bone levels
  • The gumline
  • Tooth decay
  • Existing restorations
  • Tooth fractures
  • Bite
  • Overall oral health
  • Your cosmetic goals

The appropriate treatment depends on why crown lengthening is being considered.

Not every short-looking tooth requires crown lengthening, and not every damaged tooth needs this procedure.

Why Might Crown Lengthening Be Recommended?

There are several situations in which crown lengthening may be considered.

A Tooth Is Broken Below the Gumline

A tooth that has fractured close to or below the gumline may not have enough visible structure for a dentist to restore it predictably.

Crown lengthening may expose additional healthy tooth structure so the dentist can better access and restore the tooth.

Tooth Decay Extends Below the Gumline

If decay extends below the gumline, accessing the affected area can be difficult.

In selected cases, crown lengthening may expose more of the tooth so restorative treatment can be performed.

A Tooth Needs a Dental Crown

Some damaged teeth require a dental crown, but there may not be enough healthy tooth structure available above the gumline to properly support the restoration.

Crown lengthening may sometimes be part of the treatment plan before placing a crown.

Learn more about:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/dental-crowns/

A Gummy Smile

Some patients feel that too much gum tissue is visible when they smile.

Cosmetic crown lengthening may alter the gumline to expose more of the natural teeth.

Whether this treatment is appropriate depends on the relationship between the teeth, gums, and supporting bone.

Crown Lengthening Before a Dental Crown

A dental crown needs adequate tooth structure and appropriate access to the tooth.

If a tooth has extensive decay or a fracture close to the gumline, simply placing a crown may not provide an appropriate long-term restoration.

In selected cases, crown lengthening can expose additional healthy tooth structure before restorative treatment.

Your dentist can determine whether crown lengthening is necessary or whether another treatment would be more appropriate.

Related service:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/dental-crowns/

Crown Lengthening for a Broken Tooth

A severely broken tooth may leave insufficient tooth structure above the gumline.

Before deciding how to treat the tooth, your dentist needs to determine whether the tooth can be predictably restored.

Depending on the extent of the damage, treatment options may include:

  • Dental bonding or filling
  • Dental crown
  • Root canal treatment
  • Crown lengthening
  • Tooth extraction
  • Dental implant or another replacement option

Learn more about root canal treatment:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/root-canal-treatment/

If the tooth cannot be saved, extraction may be necessary.

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/dental-extractions/

Crown Lengthening and Root Canal Treatment

Crown lengthening and root canal treatment address different problems, but they may sometimes be part of the same restorative treatment plan.

A root canal treats infection or inflammation inside a tooth.

Crown lengthening changes the amount of tooth structure accessible above the gumline.

For example, a severely damaged tooth may require root canal treatment followed by restorative treatment. If there is insufficient tooth structure for the planned restoration, crown lengthening may also be considered.

Your dentist can determine the appropriate sequence based on the condition of the tooth.

Crown Lengthening vs. Dental Crown

These procedures are not the same.

A crown lengthening procedure modifies gum tissue and, when required, supporting bone to expose more of the tooth.

A dental crown is a restoration placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance.

In some cases, both procedures may be used as part of the same treatment plan.

Crown Lengthening vs. Tooth Extraction

Crown lengthening may be considered when a damaged tooth can potentially be restored.

Extraction removes the tooth when it cannot be predictably saved or when removal is otherwise recommended.

Your dentist will evaluate the condition of the tooth before recommending either treatment.

If extraction is required, you can discuss replacement options such as:

  • Dental implants
  • Dental bridges
  • Dentures

Learn more:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/dental-implants/

Cosmetic Crown Lengthening for a Gummy Smile

A gummy smile can occur when a relatively large amount of gum tissue is visible when smiling.

For selected patients, crown lengthening may expose more of the natural teeth and change the appearance of the gumline.

However, not every gummy smile is caused by excess gum tissue.

The appearance of a gummy smile can also be influenced by:

  • Tooth proportions
  • Lip position
  • Jaw structure
  • Tooth position
  • Gum levels

Because of these factors, a dental evaluation is important before deciding whether crown lengthening is appropriate.

Does Crown Lengthening Change the Shape of Your Teeth?

Crown lengthening primarily changes the amount of tooth visible above the gumline.

The procedure does not necessarily change the actual size of the natural tooth.

By changing the gumline, more of the existing tooth structure may become visible.

If your cosmetic concern is primarily the shape, colour, size, or surface appearance of the teeth, other cosmetic treatments may be considered.

Learn more about porcelain veneers:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/porcelain-veneers/

Crown Lengthening and Porcelain Veneers

Crown lengthening and porcelain veneers can sometimes be considered as part of a broader cosmetic treatment plan, but they address different aspects of a smile.

Crown lengthening changes the gumline and the amount of tooth structure visible.

Porcelain veneers are custom restorations designed to improve the appearance of selected teeth.

If a patient has both excessive gum display and cosmetic concerns involving tooth shape or colour, a dentist may evaluate whether one treatment or a combination would be appropriate.

Crown Lengthening and Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening primarily changes the colour of natural teeth.

Crown lengthening changes the visible relationship between the teeth and gumline.

If your main concern is yellow or stained teeth, professional whitening may be a more appropriate treatment.

Learn more:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/teeth-whitening/

How Is Crown Lengthening Performed?

The exact procedure depends on the reason for treatment and the amount of tissue involved.

Generally, treatment involves:

1. Examination and Planning

Your dentist examines the tooth, gums, and surrounding structures.

The treatment plan is based on how much healthy tooth structure is available and what the final restoration or cosmetic outcome requires.

2. Anesthesia

Appropriate local anesthesia is used to keep the treatment area comfortable during the procedure.

3. Gum Tissue Treatment

The dentist carefully reshapes or removes selected gum tissue to expose more of the tooth.

4. Bone Modification When Needed

In some cases, the supporting bone around the tooth may also need to be modified to create the appropriate amount of tooth exposure.

5. Gumline Stabilization

The gum tissue is positioned appropriately and allowed to heal.

6. Restorative Treatment When Required

If crown lengthening was performed to prepare a damaged tooth for a restoration, additional treatment such as a dental crown may follow after appropriate healing.

How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?

The procedure itself may be completed during a dental appointment, but the overall treatment timeline includes healing.

The amount of time required depends on:

  • The number of teeth treated
  • The amount of gum tissue involved
  • Whether bone modification is necessary
  • The reason for treatment
  • Whether a restoration is planned afterward

Your dentist can provide a more specific timeline after evaluating your teeth and gums.

What Is Recovery Like After Crown Lengthening?

After treatment, the gums may be sensitive or swollen while they heal.

Your dentist will provide specific instructions for caring for the treated area.

Depending on the procedure, you may receive guidance about:

  • Brushing
  • Flossing or cleaning between teeth
  • Foods
  • Physical activity
  • Medication
  • Follow-up appointments
  • Protecting the treatment area

Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully during the healing period.

What Can You Eat After Crown Lengthening?

Your dental team will provide individualized instructions based on the procedure.

Immediately following treatment, softer foods may be more comfortable.

You should avoid unnecessarily disturbing the treated area while the gums are healing.

As healing progresses, your dentist can advise you when it is appropriate to return to your normal diet.

Is Crown Lengthening Painful?

Crown lengthening is performed with local anesthesia to keep the procedure comfortable.

After treatment, some tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity may occur.

Your dentist will provide post-treatment instructions to help you manage the recovery period.

If you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, persistent bleeding, or another unexpected symptom, contact your dental office.

Crown Lengthening and Oral Hygiene

Keeping the mouth clean is important during and after healing.

However, the treated area may require temporary modifications to your normal brushing and flossing routine.

Follow your dentist’s instructions rather than aggressively brushing or cleaning the surgical area.

Once the gums have healed, maintaining regular professional dental hygiene appointments can help support long-term oral health.

Learn more:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/hygiene-care/

How Long Does It Take for the Gums to Heal?

Healing time varies according to the extent of treatment and whether bone modification was required.

The gumline may also change somewhat as the tissues heal and stabilize.

If a dental crown or another restoration is planned, your dentist may wait until the tissues have healed sufficiently before completing the final restoration.

Your dental team will monitor the healing process and advise you when the next treatment stage is appropriate.

Does Crown Lengthening Last Permanently?

The goal of crown lengthening is to create a stable change to the gumline and expose the required amount of tooth structure.

However, healing and gum tissue changes can vary from patient to patient.

Following your dentist’s post-operative instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene can help support a healthy result.

Crown Lengthening Before Restorative Treatment

Crown lengthening may be part of a larger restorative treatment plan.

For example:

Damaged tooth → evaluation → crown lengthening if needed → healing → dental crown

Or:

Broken tooth → evaluation → root canal if indicated → crown lengthening if needed → final restoration

The exact sequence depends on the condition of the tooth.

Not every patient requires every treatment.

Crown Lengthening and Dental Implants

Crown lengthening is generally associated with exposing more of an existing tooth rather than replacing a missing tooth.

Dental implants, on the other hand, are used as part of a tooth-replacement treatment plan.

If a tooth cannot be saved and needs to be removed, crown lengthening may not be the appropriate solution.

In those situations, your dentist may discuss extraction and replacement options such as dental implants.

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/dental-implants/

Crown Lengthening and Dental Emergencies

A broken tooth, severe toothache, swelling, or dental injury may require prompt dental evaluation.

If a tooth is severely damaged, your dentist will determine whether it can be restored and what treatment may be necessary.

Depending on the situation, treatment could involve a filling, root canal, crown, extraction, or other procedure.

For urgent dental concerns:

https://thedentalgroupatcentralcity.com/dental-emergencies/

Who Is a Good Candidate for Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening may be appropriate for patients who:

  • Have a damaged tooth with insufficient visible structure
  • Have decay extending below the gumline
  • Need additional tooth structure exposed for a restoration
  • Have excessive gum coverage
  • Want to change the appearance of a gummy smile
  • Have a cosmetic concern involving the gumline

A thorough dental examination is necessary before treatment.

When Crown Lengthening May Not Be Appropriate

Crown lengthening is not the best solution for every patient.

It may not be appropriate if:

  • The tooth cannot be predictably restored
  • The remaining tooth structure is insufficient
  • The surrounding bone or gums are not suitable
  • The cosmetic concern has another underlying cause
  • Another treatment would provide a better result

Your dentist can discuss alternative options when appropriate.

Crown Lengthening for Front Teeth

When crown lengthening is performed on visible front teeth, both function and appearance are important.

The gumline needs to be evaluated in relation to:

  • Adjacent teeth
  • Tooth proportions
  • Smile symmetry
  • Gum levels
  • The patient’s facial appearance

For cosmetic treatment, careful planning is particularly important because even small changes to the gumline can affect the appearance of the smile.

Crown Lengthening for Back Teeth

Crown lengthening on posterior teeth may be performed for restorative reasons, such as exposing more tooth structure when a tooth is severely damaged or has decay below the gumline.

Because back teeth are important for chewing, your dentist will consider the condition of the tooth and surrounding structures before recommending treatment.

Crown Lengthening in Surrey, BC

The Dental Group at Central City provides crown lengthening and comprehensive dental care in a convenient Surrey location.

Our office is located at:

1117-10153 King George Blvd.
Surrey, BC V3T 2W1

Inside The Central City Shopping Centre, our location is convenient for patients seeking restorative, cosmetic, surgical, and general dental care.

If you have a damaged tooth, excessive gum display, or another concern involving the relationship between your teeth and gumline, our team can evaluate your situation and discuss your treatment options.

Why Choose The Dental Group at Central City?

Crown lengthening is often performed as part of a broader dental treatment plan.

At The Dental Group at Central City, your dentist can consider crown lengthening alongside related treatments such as:

  • Dental crowns
  • Root canal treatment
  • Dental fillings
  • Dental extractions
  • Dental implants
  • Porcelain veneers
  • Professional dental hygiene

This allows treatment to be planned around the overall health and function of your smile.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that exposes more of the visible tooth by modifying gum tissue and, when necessary, supporting bone.

Why would I need crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening may be recommended when a tooth is damaged or decayed below the gumline, when insufficient tooth structure is available for a restoration, or for certain cosmetic gumline concerns.

Is crown lengthening the same as getting a dental crown?

No. Crown lengthening modifies the gumline and sometimes the supporting bone. A dental crown is a restoration placed over a tooth.

Do I need crown lengthening before a crown?

Not always. It may be recommended when there is not enough healthy tooth structure available above the gumline to properly restore the tooth.

Can crown lengthening fix a gummy smile?

For selected patients, cosmetic crown lengthening can reduce the amount of gum tissue visible when smiling by exposing more of the natural teeth.

Does crown lengthening change my teeth?

The procedure primarily changes the gumline and the amount of tooth structure that is visible.

Can crown lengthening save a broken tooth?

In some cases, crown lengthening may expose additional healthy tooth structure and make restorative treatment possible. However, not every broken tooth can be saved.

Can crown lengthening be done with a root canal?

In selected cases, crown lengthening and root canal treatment may be part of the same overall restorative plan.

How long does crown lengthening take?

The procedure itself may be completed during an appointment, but the overall treatment includes a healing period that varies according to the extent of treatment.

Is crown lengthening painful?

Local anesthesia is used during treatment. Some tenderness or swelling may occur during recovery.

How long does crown lengthening take to heal?

Healing varies depending on the procedure, number of teeth treated, and whether supporting bone was modified. Your dentist will monitor the area during follow-up.

Can I eat normally after crown lengthening?

Your dentist will provide specific instructions. Softer foods may be more comfortable initially, and you may need to avoid disturbing the treated area during early healing.

Is crown lengthening permanent?

The procedure is intended to create a stable change to the gumline, although individual healing and tissue changes can vary.

Can crown lengthening be used for cosmetic dentistry?

Yes. In selected cases, cosmetic crown lengthening can change the appearance of a gummy smile or uneven gumline.

Schedule a Crown Lengthening Consultation in Surrey

Whether you have a severely damaged tooth that needs additional structure exposed or you are concerned about the appearance of your gumline, crown lengthening may be an option worth discussing.

At The Dental Group at Central City, we can evaluate your teeth and gums and explain whether crown lengthening is appropriate for your situation.

If restorative treatment is needed, we can also discuss related options such as dental crowns, root canal treatment, fillings, or tooth replacement.

If you are looking for crown lengthening in Surrey, BC, contact The Dental Group at Central City to schedule a consultation.

The Dental Group at Central City
1117-10153 King George Blvd.
Surrey, BC V3T 2W1
Inside The Central City Shopping Centre
Phone: (604) 585-2345