Surgical & Emergency Care
Crown Lengthening in San Rafael, CA
Reshaping gum and bone for healthier, more beautiful teeth.
Crown lengthening exposes more of a tooth’s surface, whether to improve a gummy smile or to make a needed restoration possible. At Dental Studio of Marin, we perform this precise procedure to support both the health and the appearance of your smile.
Dentistry for Every Stage of Life
Comprehensive dental services in a welcoming San Rafael office.
Crown Lengthening in San Rafael
Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes or reshapes gum tissue — and sometimes a small amount of bone — to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It serves two very different but equally valuable purposes: it can transform a “gummy” smile into a balanced, confident one, and it can make restorative treatment possible when there isn’t enough visible tooth to work with. Whether your goal is cosmetic or functional, the result is a healthier, more workable tooth.
Why Crown Lengthening Is Done
This versatile procedure addresses both aesthetic and restorative needs.
- Cosmetic Improvement Reshaping the gumline reveals more tooth for a balanced, less gummy smile.
- Restorative Access Exposes enough tooth structure to properly place a filling or crown.
- Decay or Damage Below the Gum Provides access to treat problems hidden beneath the gumline.
A Precise, Comfortable Procedure
Crown lengthening is carefully planned around your specific needs. We numb the area for comfort, then gently reshape the gum tissue and bone as needed to expose the right amount of tooth. Because the work is so precise, we’re able to create a natural-looking, even result that supports both the health and the appearance of your smile.
Healing and Aftercare
Recovery from crown lengthening is typically smooth. You may notice some tenderness and swelling for a few days, which simple aftercare and any recommended pain relief will keep comfortable. We’ll give you clear instructions for keeping the area clean as it heals, and if the procedure was done to prepare for a restoration, we’ll let the gums settle before completing that next step.
Part of a Bigger Plan
Crown lengthening is often one piece of a larger treatment plan — a step toward a beautiful new crown, a smile makeover, or restoring a damaged tooth. Whatever the goal, we’ll explain exactly how it fits into your care so you understand the full picture and feel confident every step of the way.
Crown Lengthening FAQ
- What is crown lengthening?
- It’s a procedure that reshapes gum tissue, and sometimes bone, to expose more of a tooth for cosmetic or restorative reasons.
- Why might I need crown lengthening?
- It’s used to improve a gummy smile, expose enough tooth to place a filling or crown, or access decay below the gumline.
- Is crown lengthening painful?
- The area is numbed during the procedure, so you stay comfortable. Mild soreness afterward is normal and manageable.
- How long is the recovery?
- Most patients heal within a week or two, following simple aftercare to keep the area clean.
- Will my gums look natural afterward?
- Yes. The procedure is precise, creating an even, natural-looking gumline that enhances your smile.
- Can crown lengthening be purely cosmetic?
- Yes. Many patients choose it specifically to reduce a gummy smile and reveal more of their teeth.
- Do I need to wait before getting a crown?
- If it’s done to prepare for a restoration, we usually let the gums heal before placing the final crown or filling.
- How do I find out if it’s right for me?
- Contact our San Rafael office for an evaluation, and we’ll determine whether crown lengthening fits your goals.
A MORE CONSIDERED APPROACH
Dr. Mehdi Salek, DDS
Office Hours
Quick Links