Crown Lengthening

An uneven gumline or too much gum tissue can make your teeth look shorter, affecting the overall beauty of your smile

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum and bone to show more of your tooth’s surface. People choose this treatment for cosmetic reasons or to prepare teeth for other dental work.

At Northport Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we tailor crown lengthening to meet your needs and achieve beautiful, functional results.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening involves gently removing excess gum tissue—and, in some cases, a small amount of bone—around one or more teeth. This creates an ideal gum-to-tooth ratio, improves oral health, and can make it easier to place crowns or other restorations.

Young woman with blue eyes and long brown hair smiling at a person wearing a mask, sitting in a purple dental chair.

When is Crown Lengthening Recommended?

You may be a candidate for crown lengthening if you have:

  • A “gummy” smile and want to improve its appearance
  • Teeth that appear too short or uneven
  • Decay or damage below the gumline
  • A need for crown placement where there isn’t enough exposed tooth structure

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

  • Creates a more symmetrical and attractive smile
  • Makes teeth appear longer and more proportionate
  • Improves access for dental restorations
  • Enhances gum health by making cleaning easier

The Procedure

Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia for your comfort. The gums are carefully reshaped, and if necessary, bone is adjusted to achieve the desired tooth exposure. Healing generally takes a few weeks, after which restorative or cosmetic treatments can be completed.

Smiling young woman sitting in a dental chair wearing a light blue shirt and a dental bib.

Transform Your Smile with Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening may be the right solution if you want to improve your gumline or prepare your teeth for restorative work. Contact Northport Periodontics and Implant Dentistry to schedule a consultation and learn more about this procedure.