Show Off Your Smile With Crown Lengthening
A “gummy smile” occurs when excessive gum tissue covers the natural tooth structure, causing teeth to appear short or uneven when smiling. In many cases, the teeth themselves are normal in size, but excess gum tissue prevents the full tooth anatomy from being visible. Crown lengthening for gummy smile correction is designed to gently reshape the gum and supporting tissues to create a more balanced, natural-looking smile while improving tooth proportions and symmetry.
At NYC Periodontics, many gummy smile correction procedures can be performed using advanced laser technology. This minimally invasive approach often allows crown lengthening to be completed with little to no bleeding and often avoiding and incisions or stiches in the area. Laser-assisted therapy can also improve patient comfort and healing while delivering highly precise aesthetic results.
Beyond cosmetic smile enhancement, crown lengthening is also an important restorative procedure used to expose additional tooth structure when teeth are broken, fractured, or affected by deep decay near or below the gumline. In these situations, carefully reshaping the gum and bone allows the tooth to be restored properly while improving long-term health and stability.
Every case is carefully planned based on the patient’s smile line, gum architecture, tooth position, and restorative needs. Whether performed for aesthetic improvement or restorative purposes, our goal is to create healthy, stable, and natural-looking results using the most minimally invasive techniques possible.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening offers various benefits that can improve both your smile and your overall oral health:
- Improve your smile
If you feel that your teeth look short, have excessive gum, or uneven gum tissue, crown lengthening can correct a gummy smile by removing excess tissue and creating a more balanced, natural smile.
- Reduce your risk of gum disease
Excess gum tissue around the teeth can create deep pockets where bacteria accumulate, increasing your risk of gum inflammation and periodontal disease. Removing this tissue with laser crown lengthening makes it easier to keep the area clean, especially when combined with daily brushing and water flossing. If bleeding gums persist, crown lengthening may be a key step in improving long-term gum health.
- Save a damaged tooth or decayed tooth
When a tooth is broken or has decayed below the gum line, there may not be enough structure exposed to support a dental crown.. However, crown lengthening can be used to expose more of the natural tooth to make a crown fit, helping you avoid tooth extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be a good candidate for crown lengthening if you’re unhappy with your smile due to the excess or uneven gum tissue, often referred to as a “gummy smile.” Crown lengthening can help reshape your gum line to create a more natural, symmetrical looking smile.
If you have a tooth that needs a dental crown, crown lengthening can prepare the tooth to make room for it. By exposing more of the natural tooth, the procedure helps ensure the crown fits securely and functions properly.
If you’re dealing with recurrent gum inflammation or bleeding that hasn’t responded to standard treatments, excess gum tissue may be contributing to the issue. In these cases, crown lengthening can remove the tissue and reduce the risk of further periodontal problems.
Not sure if crown lengthening is right for you? Dr. Scott Froum and his team would be happy to evaluate your needs and determine whether this treatment is the best option for your smile.
Possibly. Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect following crown lengthening. The sensitivity may be more noticeable in the first few days or weeks after the procedure, especially when consuming hot or cold foods. This typically improves over time. Once your dentist clears you to resume brushing, using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help reduce discomfort and promote healing.
Yes. Dental lasers are a safe, FDA-approved technology used to perform a variety of dental procedures, including gum disease treatment and crown lengthening. In fact, lasers are often safer and more precise than other tools because they are less invasive and more easily controlled. When used by a trained specialist like Dr. Froum, laser dentistry is both effective and highly predictable.
Insurance coverage for crown lengthening depends on the reason for the procedure and the type of insurance you have. If it’s done for medical or functional purposes—such as to place a crown on a tooth that’s broken or decayed—many dental insurance plans may cover part of the cost. However, procedures done solely for cosmetic reasons may not be covered. The office of Dr. Scott Froum will try to maximize your insurance benefits if you have a plan that covers crown lengthening.
To find out if crown lengthening is right for you, call our office at 646-776-5483 or contact us online to schedule your personalized consultation
