What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a cosmetic periodontal surgery that is performed to give you a more beautiful, less gummy smile. It’s also performed so that a “short” tooth that is chipped or broken can better support a filling or crown.

Cosmetic periodontal surgery patients choose periodontist, Dr. Kissel, for crown lengthening because he is known for using microsurgery techniques, which reduce the risk of damage to your tooth root and jawbone, provide for a more precise, accurate procedure and make your recovery time faster.

Crown lengthening is a cosmetic surgery procedure that is performed by:

Giving you local anesthesia to make you comfortable throughout the procedure;
Gaining access to the surrounding structures around your teeth
Hard and soft tissues are judiciously reshaped to expose more of your teeth.

Once Dr. Kissel has exposed enough of your tooth root to obtain the desired cosmetic and functional qualities, he will then close the surgical site.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

Patients have a crown lengthening procedure to:

Ensure a proper fit with the new crown or filling.
Provide enough tooth structure so that the restoration won’t come loose in the future.
Have easier access for brushing and flossing.
Improve the aesthetics of the smile by helping turn a “gummy smile” into a smile with greater symmetry.

Before Crown Lengthening

After Crown Lengthening

What Can Crown Lengthening Patients Expect

One of the reasons that dentists refer patients to Dr. Kissel is that he uses microsurgical techniques for many of his procedures, including crown lengthening. This approach reduces damage to roots and bone, improving your comfort and speeding your recovery.

You can expect the following from the procedure:

Before crown lengthening, Dr. Kissel will review your medical history and X-rays to plan your procedure.
On the day of your surgery, you will receive local anesthesia to ensure your comfort. Dr. Kissel employs Wand® technology to deliver anesthetic pain-free.
Dr. Kissel will use a microscope, which is the most minimally invasive technique allowing for maximum aesthetic results and faster healing time.

The microsurgical techniques that Dr. Kissel uses are very precise, and so you can expect your mouth to heal quickly after surgery. You can manage discomfort with over-the-counter prescriptions, and Dr. Kissel will advise you to eat soft foods and avoiding brushing near the surgical site for a period of time.did

Crown Lengthening Results

The results of a crown lengthening cosmetic periodontal surgery can be stunning and dramatic. Many patients report that they feel more confident smiling and speaking with others after their crown lengthening procedure because they finally have a smile they can be proud of.

Crown lengthening patients typically benefit from this procedure because they:

Need a new crown or tooth restoration.
Are unhappy with how prominent their gums are in their smile.

For patients, crown lengthening exposes more of a tooth so that it is better able to support a filling or crown. This is particularly helpful in cases in which a tooth has chipped or broken. Dr. Kissel also offers the procedure as a cosmetic treatment, adjusting the levels of the gum tissue and bone to create a more balanced smile.

Crown lengthening patients can get treatment for tooth restoration and cosmetic concerns.

Schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott Kissel by calling 212-702-9088 or contact us online and schedule your consultation today!

Open Hours

Monday to Friday

8:30am – 5pm

New York Periodontist Scott O. Kissel

501 Madison Ave, Suite 2101, New York

Who Should Consider Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is an ideal procedure for individuals who have excessive gum tissue that obscures the teeth, leading to a "gummy" smile. It is also beneficial for patients who need to expose more of the tooth structure for restorative work, such as crowns or bridges. If you're unhappy with the appearance of your smile due to the proportions of gum to tooth, this procedure may be a suitable option.

Additionally, crown lengthening can be recommended for patients experiencing dental issues that require more tooth exposure. This includes cases where decay is present below the gum line or when a tooth is fractured and needs restoration. Consulting with a qualified periodontist like Dr. Kissel can help determine if this procedure aligns with your dental goals.

The Crown Lengthening Procedure Explained

The crown lengthening procedure typically involves the removal of excess gum tissue and, in some cases, bone, to expose more of the tooth structure. Initially, Dr. Kissel will administer local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort throughout the procedure. Using microsurgical techniques, he will carefully reshape the gum tissue and, if necessary, the bone around the affected teeth.

After the procedure, patients can expect a healing period during which they will follow specific aftercare instructions. This may include guidelines on diet and oral hygiene to promote healing and minimize discomfort. The precision of microsurgery often results in quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods, allowing patients to enjoy their new smile sooner.

Post-Procedure Care and Recovery

After undergoing crown lengthening, proper post-procedure care is crucial for optimal healing. Patients are advised to avoid hard or crunchy foods for a few days and stick to a soft food diet to prevent irritation at the surgical site. Additionally, following Dr. Kissel's specific care instructions, such as using prescribed mouth rinses, can help reduce the risk of infection.

Most patients experience mild discomfort, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure that the gums are responding well to the treatment. Dr. Kissel emphasizes the importance of adhering to these guidelines to achieve the best aesthetic and functional results.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening

Patients often have questions regarding the crown lengthening procedure, including its safety, effectiveness, and potential side effects. Common inquiries include how long the procedure takes, what to expect during recovery, and whether the results are permanent. Dr. Kissel is dedicated to addressing these concerns during consultations, ensuring that patients feel informed and confident about their treatment choices.

Additionally, some patients may wonder about the cost of crown lengthening and whether it is covered by insurance. While coverage can vary, Dr. Kissel's office provides assistance in navigating insurance benefits and offers flexible financing options to make the procedure more accessible. Understanding these aspects can help patients make informed decisions about their dental care.