Periodontics & Gums
Crown lengthening
A small procedure to expose more tooth, for health or appearance.
Purpose
Expose more tooth
Anaesthetic
Local
Healing
A few weeks
Then
Crown or filling
Overview
Crown lengthening reshapes the gum, and sometimes a little bone, to expose more of a tooth. It can create enough tooth structure to hold a filling or crown, or even out a gummy smile.
It is a minor procedure done under local anaesthetic. The area heals over a few weeks, and any new crown or filling is usually fitted once the gum has settled.
What to know
- Exposes more of a tooth
- Helps restore a broken or decayed tooth
- Can even out a gummy smile
- Done under local anaesthetic
- Gum settles over a few weeks
Common questions
Why might I need crown lengthening?
It is used when there is not enough tooth above the gum to hold a filling or crown, or to reduce a gummy smile.
Is it painful?
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you should be comfortable. Mild soreness afterwards settles with simple pain relief.
How long is the recovery?
The gum heals over a few weeks. For a new crown, your dentist usually waits until the gum has fully settled.
Will my tooth look longer?
Yes, more of the tooth will show, which is the aim. For cosmetic cases this gives a more even gumline.
Is bone removed too?
Sometimes a small amount of bone is reshaped so the gum heals at the right level. Your dentist will explain if this is needed.
Related topics
Dental crown
A custom cap that covers and protects a damaged or weakened tooth.
Surgical periodontal therapy
Gum surgery to clean deep areas and repair damage from gum disease.
Gum aesthetics
Reshaping the gum line to balance how your smile looks.
Gum disease (periodontitis)
A bacterial infection of the gums and bone that support your teeth.
Dr Rick Iskandar · Reviewed June 2026