Ever feel like your teeth are “too short” or that your gums steal the spotlight every time you smile? Or maybe your dentist mentioned you needed more tooth exposed before getting a crown or filling? That’s where crown lengthening comes in—a procedure that’s part art, part function, and 100% focused on revealing your best, healthiest smile.
Crown lengthening isn’t just for cosmetic purposes. It plays a critical role in many restorative procedures and can help save teeth that might otherwise be lost. At All About Smiles in Rogers, AR, crown lengthening is performed with precision and care, offering long-term benefits for both your dental function and appearance.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue—and sometimes the underlying bone—to expose more of a tooth’s surface. Despite the name, it doesn’t actually make the tooth longer. Instead, it removes excess gum and bone tissue to reveal more of the existing tooth.
There are two main reasons crown lengthening is performed:
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Restorative – When a tooth is broken below the gumline or there isn’t enough exposed surface to support a crown or filling.
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Cosmetic – To improve the look of a “gummy” smile by creating a more balanced gum-to-tooth ratio.
Whether for health or aesthetics (or both), crown lengthening helps make your smile—and your dental care—more effective.
When Is Crown Lengthening Needed?
It might not be the first thing you think of when considering dental work, but crown lengthening can make or break the success of many procedures. It’s recommended when:
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There isn’t enough tooth structure exposed above the gumline to hold a crown or filling.
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A tooth is fractured at or below the gumline.
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Gum overgrowth (from genetics, medications, or inflammation) hides the natural tooth structure.
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You have a gummy smile and want a more symmetrical appearance.
In many cases, crown lengthening is the hidden hero behind a successful dental restoration or cosmetic smile makeover.
How the Crown Lengthening Procedure Works
If the word “surgery” makes you uneasy, take a breath—crown lengthening is typically a quick, outpatient procedure with minimal discomfort and an easy recovery. Here’s what the process generally looks like:
Step 1: Consultation and X-rays
Your dentist will examine the area, take digital X-rays, and determine whether the procedure is needed for a crown, filling, or cosmetic goal.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
Before the procedure begins, the area is numbed with local anesthesia to ensure complete comfort.
Step 3: Gum and Bone Reshaping
The dentist gently removes or repositions excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone around the tooth may also be reshaped to create space for the restoration.
Step 4: Healing and Follow-Up
The gums are sutured and protected to aid healing. Most patients return to normal activities within a day, though full healing may take a few weeks.
What About Recovery?
Crown lengthening has a relatively easy recovery compared to other dental surgeries. You may experience mild soreness or swelling for a few days, but this is easily managed with over-the-counter medication and proper oral hygiene.
To support healing, your dentist may recommend:
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Rinsing with a saltwater solution or antimicrobial rinse
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Eating soft foods for a few days
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Avoiding brushing directly on the surgical site
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Following up to ensure proper healing and final restoration
Once healed, your dentist can move forward with placing a crown, bridge, or cosmetic veneer—or you can simply enjoy the improved look of your smile.
The Real Benefits of Crown Lengthening (And What the Research Says)
Crown lengthening might sound like a niche procedure, but its impact is anything but small. According to the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP), crown lengthening not only improves smile aesthetics but plays a vital role in ensuring that dental restorations like crowns or fillings have enough support to last long-term.
Research published in the Journal of Periodontology shows that crown lengthening increases the success rate of restorations by creating a healthier environment around the tooth. When crowns are placed too close to the gums or bone, they’re more likely to fail. Crown lengthening gives them the room they need to do their job.
Benefits include:
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Stronger foundation for crowns or fillings
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Lower risk of decay at the gumline
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Reduced risk of gum irritation or chronic inflammation
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A more symmetrical, confident smile
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Longer-lasting results from restorative treatments
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening: Subtle Change, Big Impact
For those who feel self-conscious about short teeth or an overly “gummy” smile, crown lengthening can make a noticeable difference. By gently reshaping the gumline, your smile can appear brighter, more balanced, and more youthful.
And here’s the best part—it’s typically a one-time procedure with permanent results.
If you’ve been hesitant about smiling wide or showing your teeth in photos, cosmetic crown lengthening may be the low-maintenance confidence boost you didn’t know you needed.
Is It Right for You?
Not everyone needs crown lengthening, but if you’ve heard the phrase “not enough tooth above the gumline,” this procedure is often the answer.
You might be a good candidate if:
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Your dentist says there isn’t enough visible tooth for a filling or crown
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You’ve experienced repeated crown failures due to gumline issues
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You want to improve the look of a gummy or uneven smile
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You have healthy gums and are looking to optimize a restoration
At All About Smiles, your dentist will walk you through every detail and provide personalized recommendations to help you decide what’s best for your goals and oral health.
Your Smile Deserves the Right Foundation
Think of crown lengthening like setting the stage. Before the curtain rises on a crown, veneer, or filling, you need the right foundation in place. Whether for practical reasons or to perfect your smile’s appearance, crown lengthening offers a reliable solution with lasting benefits.
At All About Smiles, Dr. Cotham and Dr. Krupka use advanced techniques and gentle care to ensure that crown lengthening is as smooth, precise, and effective as possible.
Curious if crown lengthening is the solution your smile needs? Call All About Smiles at 870-669-1507 or visit us at 3207 West Arapaho Drive in Rogers, AR to schedule your consultation and get the smile-ready foundation you deserve.