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For those who are seeking to improve a gummy smile, with teeth that appear seemingly small or too short, Park Smiles NYC has a solution for you! Crown lengthening is a procedure designed to reshape the gums at the base of the desired tooth or teeth. Its purpose is to expose additional tooth surface and, if necessary, adjust the bone level. There are many dental conditions that need crown lengthening as part of the restorative procedure. The most common condition requiring crown lengthening is severe tooth decay, where the decay extends below the gum line.
Another common problem is when a tooth has fractured and broken off beneath the existing gum line.
Crown lengthening often serves both the functions of cosmetics and necessity in case where veneers, crowns or bridges are being placed. In these and other restorative procedures, crown lengthening may be vital to restoring a natural smile.
Crown lengthening is a specialized dental procedure that precisely removes gum tissue and, when necessary, bone around a tooth to expose more of the tooth structure. This surgical technique serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, creating the proper foundation for restorative work or enhancing smile appearance by improving tooth proportions.
Functionally, crown lengthening becomes necessary when a tooth requires a restoration (such as a crown) but doesn’t have enough visible tooth structure above the gumline for proper attachment. This may occur with teeth that are broken below the gum, have extensive decay extending under the gumline, or need restorations that would otherwise encroach on the biological width—the critical space between a restoration margin and the supporting bone that maintains gum health.
Cosmetically, crown lengthening addresses “gummy smiles” or teeth that appear too short due to excess gum coverage. By precisely repositioning the gumline, this procedure reveals more tooth surface, creating better proportions and a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile. While similar to general gum recontouring, cosmetic crown lengthening often involves more comprehensive tissue management, including potential modification of the underlying bone to ensure stable, long-lasting results.
At Park Smiles NYC, our approach to crown lengthening emphasizes precise tissue management, minimal discomfort, and optimal healing to create the ideal foundation for beautiful, long-lasting dental restorations or enhanced smile aesthetics.
Create the proper foundation for successful dental restorations. Our Manhattan specialists provide expert crown lengthening that ensures optimal outcomes for damaged teeth.
Aside from an increase in self-esteem and self-confidence, the primary benefits of crown lengthening include:
Crown lengthening is performed by your Park Smiles NYC periodontist under a local anesthetic. The local anesthetic can be combined with sedation for patients who desire it.
The selected area of the gums is reduced and contoured through the removal of small amounts of tissue. The goal is to lengthen the appropriate teeth and create greater symmetry at the gum line.
During a routine dental examination, your Park Smiles NYC dentist may discover a cavity below the gum where it is difficult to visualize. Here we see the cavity because the slide has made the gums transparent.
Before we can restore this filling, we need to alter the tissues so that the filling can be accessed and restored. The gums are peeled back. Some of the bone surrounding the teeth is removed. The bone is shaped so that it follows the regular bone outline. The gums are sutured back into place.
After the area has healed and when the sutures are removed, the cavity is easily accessible. It is prepared with a drill and the prepared area can now be filled. In some advanced cases it may be necessary to remove a bit of the bone as well. Then the gum tissue is gently freed from both tooth and bone and pulled back exposing the bone that supports the tooth. The height and width of bone surrounding the tooth is reduced and contoured and the gums repositioned and sutured.
Patients can return to their normal routines in a few days and complete healing may take one to two weeks. Your dentist at Park Smiles NYC will advise you on the post-surgical regimen tailored to your particular situation.
At Park Smiles NYC, our crown lengthening procedures are performed by our experienced team of specialists who understand the critical relationship between proper tissue management and successful dental restorations. Our staff includes professionals with advanced training in periodontal surgery and the latest techniques for precise crown lengthening. Dr. Krystle Kendall collaborates closely with our surgical specialists to ensure comprehensive care that addresses both the clinical requirements for successful restorations and the aesthetic considerations for enhanced smile appearance.
Our team’s approach to crown lengthening emphasizes meticulous technique, tissue conservation, and optimal healing. We utilize advanced technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Throughout your surgical journey, our entire staff provides attentive care with clear communication about what to expect during the procedure and recovery. Our specialists regularly participate in continuing education focused on the latest advances in surgical techniques, ensuring that you receive the most effective and comfortable treatment possible.
At Park Smiles NYC, our crown lengthening procedures benefit from our team’s specialized expertise in periodontal surgery and our investment in advanced surgical technology. We utilize precision instruments, magnification systems, and in select cases, laser-assisted approaches that enhance results while improving patient comfort. Our surgical techniques emphasize tissue conservation, maintaining adequate attached gingiva while achieving the necessary exposure of tooth structure. This refined approach minimizes post-operative recession and ensures optimal aesthetic outcomes, particularly important for procedures in the visible smile zone.
Our approach to crown lengthening emphasizes seamless coordination with restorative procedures for optimal outcomes. We work closely with your restorative dentist to understand the specific requirements for your planned restoration, ensuring the crown lengthening creates precisely the foundation needed. This communication continues throughout treatment, with detailed procedural documentation provided to your dentist to facilitate proper timing of the final restoration. For complex cases involving multiple teeth or comprehensive restoration plans, this collaborative approach ensures that all aspects of treatment work together harmoniously for superior functional and aesthetic results.
We understand that surgical procedures can cause anxiety, which is why we’ve developed protocols specifically designed to support you throughout the crown lengthening process. Beyond effective local anesthesia and sedation options for anxious patients, we provide detailed pre-operative guidance and post-surgical care instructions. Our attentive team is readily available to address any questions or concerns during your recovery, and we schedule strategic follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress. This supportive approach helps ensure both your comfort throughout the process and optimal healing for successful outcomes.
Crown lengthening becomes necessary in several specific clinical situations: when a tooth breaks off at or below the gumline, making adequate restoration impossible without exposing more structure; when extensive decay extends below the gum, requiring removal of tissue to properly access and restore the damaged area; when a tooth has insufficient clinical crown height for proper retention of a planned restoration; when a restoration would otherwise need to be placed too close to the bone, violating the biological width necessary for gum health; or when a patient has excessive gum display creating a “gummy smile” or teeth that appear too short despite being normal length beneath the gum tissue. During your consultation at Park Smiles NYC, we perform comprehensive evaluation including clinical examination and appropriate imaging to determine if crown lengthening would benefit your specific condition. We recommend this procedure only when necessary to ensure successful restoration or to achieve significant aesthetic improvement.
The crown lengthening procedure begins with administration of appropriate local anesthesia to ensure your complete comfort throughout treatment. Once the area is thoroughly numb, small incisions are made to access the tooth and surrounding tissues. The gum tissue is then carefully reflected back to expose the underlying bone around the tooth. Depending on your specific case, precise removal of gum tissue alone may be sufficient, or it may be necessary to remove small amounts of bone around the tooth to create the proper biological width for future restorations. Using specialized instruments, the bone and gum tissue are contoured to expose the required amount of tooth structure while maintaining healthy proportions. Once the necessary exposure is achieved, the gum tissue is repositioned, typically at a lower level on the tooth, and secured with fine sutures that create a natural contour. The entire procedure typically takes 45-90 minutes depending on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of your specific case.
Crown lengthening does affect smile appearance, though whether these changes are noticeable depends on the location of the procedure and your specific smile dynamics. When performed in the aesthetic zone (visible front teeth), the procedure creates noticeable changes to the gum-to-tooth ratio, generally revealing more tooth structure and creating longer-appearing teeth. For patients with a “gummy smile,” this change is precisely the desired aesthetic improvement, creating more balanced proportions. When performed for restorative purposes on teeth not prominently visible when smiling, the aesthetic impact is typically minimal. During your consultation at Park Smiles NYC, we discuss the expected aesthetic changes in your specific case and may use digital imaging to help visualize the anticipated results. For patients concerned about aesthetic changes, we carefully consider visibility when smiling and speaking, ensuring that necessary functional procedures have minimal unwanted aesthetic impact, while cosmetic procedures provide the desired enhancement.
At Park Smiles NYC in Manhattan, NYC, our mission is to provide every patient with exceptional care, prioritizing comfort, compassion, and excellence at every step.
We are dedicated to delivering outstanding results through personalized attention in a welcoming and supportive environment. Led by Dr. Krystle Kendall, D.M.D., our skilled team offers a full range of top-quality dental services—all conveniently available under one roof in Manhattan.
Our skilled team in Manhattan, NYC is dedicated to offering a comprehensive array of the very best dental services
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At Park Smiles in Manhattan, NYC, we make it easy for you to receive top-quality dental care in a convenient and accessible location. Whether you’re due for a routine checkup or seeking specialized treatment, our friendly team is here to provide exceptional service in a comfortable setting.
We look forward to welcoming you to our office and helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. Schedule your appointment today!
If you are ready to enhance your smile, the experienced cosmetic dentists at Park Smiles NYC are here to help. Our dedicated team offers a comprehensive range of services, from orthodontics to teeth whitening, to meet all your oral health needs. We understand the importance of a healthy smile for your overall well-being and are committed to ensuring your satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
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