Crown Lengthening in New York, NY

About Crown Lengthening at Rock Dental

For patients who believe that their smile is too “gummy” or that their teeth are too short, we are proud to offer crown lengthening services to fix those concerns. Crown lengthening procedures are done to expose more of the tooth and remove extra gum tissue. By doing this, we can reshape your gums and help give your teeth the look and shape you desire. In addition to the life-changing results, crown lengthening is a minimally-invasive procedure that will allow for a more balanced, even smile.

Before we begin treatment, we will first meet to learn more about your desired results as well as determine if crown lengthening is the best procedure for you. Factors such as oral hygiene and gum health will determine the best course of action and treatment plan. During the dental crown lengthening procedure, our team will remove excess gum and bone tissue to reshape the tooth to expose a more natural tooth. This procedure can be done to just one single tooth or several, or even to your entire gum line. These changes can be done for restorative or cosmetic purposes depending on your needs.

The recovery time for the crown lengthening procedure is approximately three months. As your gums heal, you’ll be able to resume normal habits and functions. In recovery, you will be asked to avoid demanding activities during the first two to three days after your operation. Some patients report mild discomfort during the procedure and increased sensitivity after the treatment is complete, but with a personalized treatment plan we can help manage any discomfort and pain. Moving forward, practicing good oral hygiene is paramount.

Who Crown Lengthening Is For

People usually come to crown lengthening by one of two routes. The first is appearance, meaning teeth that look short or a smile that shows a lot of gum. The second is practical. If a tooth has broken near the gum line, or decay runs below it, there may not be enough tooth showing for a crown or filling to grip. Exposing more of the tooth can give your dentist the room needed to restore it rather than remove it.

It also matters for the health of the gum itself. A crown edge that sits too deep under the gum can irritate the tissue and make the area hard to keep clean. Leaving the right amount of space between a restoration and the bone lets the gum settle comfortably around it. Good candidates have healthy gums to begin with, so any gum disease is typically treated first. Your dentist or our periodontist will advise whether the procedure is right for you.

How to Prepare and What Happens Afterward

Before your procedure, share your full medical history and a list of your medications, including blood thinners and supplements, and follow any instructions you are given about them. A professional cleaning beforehand is often recommended so the gums are as healthy as possible. If the tooth is getting a crown, a temporary one may be placed first to protect it. Plan a quiet day afterward, stock up on soft foods, and ask about nitrous oxide if you feel nervous.

The area is numbed with local anesthetic for the procedure. Afterward, your dentist will typically suggest cold packs for swelling, soft and cool foods, and gentle cleaning around the site while it is tender. Avoid smoking, since it slows healing. You will usually return so the area can be checked and any stitches removed. A final crown is generally placed only once the gums have settled, so its edge sits in the right spot. Call (212) 332-1020 if bleeding or pain increases.