Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and, in some cases, the underlying bone to expose more of a tooth. This is commonly done to provide enough tooth structure for a restoration like a crown or bridge, to access decayed or broken tooth material, or to improve the appearance of a smile when excess gum covers the teeth.

The procedure is usually carried out under local anaesthetic and may involve removing a small amount of soft tissue and/or bone, followed by sutures and a healing period of several weeks. Recovery can include mild discomfort, swelling and sensitivity; your dentist or periodontist will explain aftercare, potential risks such as infection or bleeding, and the timing for any further restorative work.