Have you recently been told you may need a crown lengthening procedure? Or maybe you’ve heard the term but aren’t quite sure what it means and whether it could help you? Either way, you’re in the right place. Crown lengthening is a common but specialized procedure that I perform regularly here in Babylon, and many people throughout Long Island are curious about it—especially when preparing for dental restorations or looking to improve the appearance of their smile.
In this post, I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know about crown lengthening: what it is, why it’s done, how the procedure works, what recovery looks like, and how it can help both the health and beauty of your smile. My goal is to explain things in a clear, straightforward way—so you’ll feel confident and informed before ever stepping into the treatment room.
What Exactly Is Crown Lengthening?
At its core, crown lengthening is a procedure designed to expose more of a tooth’s structure by carefully reshaping the gum tissue and, in some cases, the bone around a tooth.
Why is this important? Sometimes, there just isn’t enough visible tooth above the gum line for your dentist to properly fit a crown, place a filling, or restore a damaged tooth. Without enough exposed tooth, restorations won’t have a strong foundation—and that can lead to problems down the road.
In simpler terms, think of a tooth that’s partially “hidden” under your gums. This might happen because of decay that extends below the gum line, an injury that damaged the tooth, or simply the way your gums naturally sit. Crown lengthening recontours the gums (and occasionally bone) so that more of your tooth is visible and usable.
This procedure is typically performed by a periodontist—a dental specialist who focuses on the gums and supporting structures of your teeth. As a periodontist, my role is to make sure crown lengthening is done with precision, safety, and care.
Why Might You Need Crown Lengthening?
There isn’t just one reason crown lengthening is performed—in fact, it can be both a restorative and cosmetic treatment. Here are the most common reasons I recommend it:
1. Restorative Reasons
If a tooth is broken or decayed below the gum line, your dentist may not have enough visible structure to securely place a crown or filling. By exposing more healthy tooth, crown lengthening provides a stronger anchor for your restoration.
2. Cosmetic Reasons
Do you feel your smile shows “too much gum”? This is often called a gummy smile, and it can make teeth look short or uneven. Crown lengthening allows us to reshape the gum line, creating a more balanced, natural-looking smile that boosts confidence.
3. Functional Reasons
Sometimes, excess gum tissue can interfere with your bite or make it difficult to properly clean your teeth. Reshaping the gums makes it easier to brush and floss, helping you maintain better long-term oral health.
Every smile is unique. When you visit me here in Babylon, I’ll evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite to determine whether crown lengthening is right for you and customize the procedure to your needs.
What Does the Crown Lengthening Procedure Involve?
If you’re considering crown lengthening, it’s natural to feel a little nervous about what the procedure actually entails. Let’s break it down step by step:
Preparation and Anesthesia
Before we begin, I make sure you’re completely comfortable. The area around your tooth is numbed with local anesthesia so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. If you tend to feel anxious about dental visits, sedation options are also available for added peace of mind.
Gum and Bone Reshaping
Once you’re numb and comfortable, I gently lift the gum tissue to gain access to the underlying bone and tooth structure. Then I carefully trim away excess gum tissue, and if needed, remove a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth.
This step is done with precision—you only want to remove what’s necessary to achieve the right balance and function.
Suturing and Healing
When the ideal amount of tooth is visible, I reposition the gums and place fine stitches to hold everything in place while healing begins. The surgical area is then cleaned thoroughly.
Most crown lengthening procedures take less than an hour and are focused only on the tooth or teeth that need treatment. Neighboring teeth aren’t affected.
Is Crown Lengthening Painful?
This is a question I hear often, and I’m happy to reassure you: during the procedure, you won’t feel pain thanks to the anesthesia. Afterward, it’s normal to experience some soreness, swelling, or mild discomfort for a few days.
Most patients describe recovery as very manageable. Pain relievers—whether prescription or over-the-counter—are usually more than enough to keep you comfortable. Ice packs can also help minimize swelling, and I’ll provide specific post-op instructions to make sure you heal smoothly.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery times vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and how your body heals, but here’s a general timeline:
- 1–2 weeks: Initial healing takes place, and swelling or discomfort usually subsides.
- Up to 3 months: Complete healing and gum stabilization occur.
During this period, I’ll give you clear instructions to follow, such as:
- Brush gently around the treated gums.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days.
- Avoid smoking or alcohol (these can slow healing).
- Keep up with follow-up visits so I can monitor your progress.
Most people return to work or their regular routine right away, taking only mild precautions for the first few days. Your permanent crown or restoration is typically placed after the gums have fully healed, ensuring the best long-term results.
Are There Risks or Complications?
Like any surgical procedure, crown lengthening carries some risks, though they are generally low when performed by an experienced periodontist. Possible risks include:
- Infection
- Prolonged bleeding
- Gum sensitivity or recession
- Tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
To minimize these risks, I carefully review your medical history before the procedure, and afterward, I may prescribe antibiotics or special rinses if needed. With the right care and precautions, complications are rare.
Can Crown Lengthening Fix a Gummy Smile?
Absolutely! While many patients undergo crown lengthening for restorative reasons, a large number choose it specifically for cosmetic improvements.
If your teeth look short or uneven because your gums cover too much of them, crown lengthening can reshape the gum line and create a more attractive balance. Whether we’re working on just one tooth or multiple teeth, this procedure can make a big difference in the appearance of your smile.
Patients often tell me that even a small adjustment to their gum line transforms the way they feel about their smile.
What Should You Expect in Babylon, NY, and Long Island?
If you’re considering crown lengthening in Babylon or anywhere on Long Island, it’s important to know what to expect from your periodontist.
At my practice, I focus on:
- Personalized care: Every mouth is different, and your treatment plan will be customized to your needs.
- Comfort: With anesthesia, sedation options, and a gentle approach, you’ll be at ease throughout the procedure.
- Thorough aftercare: My team and I will guide you through recovery and be available if you have questions along the way.
Patients often tell me they appreciate how much time I spend explaining procedures and answering questions—it helps them feel more confident and relaxed.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Preparing for your appointment is simple, but here are a few helpful tips:
- Let me know about any medications or health conditions.
- Arrange transportation if you’ll be sedated.
- Plan ahead with soft, cool foods for the first couple of days.
- Follow any pre-op instructions I provide, such as avoiding smoking.
By planning ahead, you’ll set yourself up for the smoothest possible recovery.
Should You Consider Crown Lengthening?
Whether your dentist recommended it to restore a damaged tooth or you’re exploring it as a way to improve your smile, crown lengthening is a safe, routine procedure with lasting benefits. It can strengthen your dental restorations, improve your oral health, and enhance the way your smile looks—all in one treatment.
Crown Lengthening with Dr. David R. Scharf
I’ve been practicing periodontics for over 35 years here on Long Island, and one of the things I value most is the trust my patients place in me. As a board-certified periodontist, I combine advanced training and modern technology with a compassionate, patient-first approach.
Over the years, I’ve helped countless patients through crown lengthening procedures—both for functional and cosmetic reasons. Many of them arrive feeling nervous but leave feeling relieved, confident, and thrilled with the results.
Here’s what you can expect when you choose my office:
- A welcoming environment where your comfort is a priority.
- Clear, honest communication about your treatment.
- Expertise backed by decades of experience.
- State-of-the-art technology for precise, safe results.
If you’ve been putting off addressing a damaged tooth or you’ve felt self-conscious about your smile, I’d love to help you take the first step toward a healthier, more confident you.
Contact Information:
Dr. David R. Scharf – Periodontics and Dental Implants
98 East Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702
(631) 661-6633
Don’t wait to restore your oral health or improve your smile. Call today to schedule your consultation and experience the difference expert, compassionate care can make.