805-495-2431Book a visit EXPOSING MORE OF THE NATURAL TOOTH
More room to restore a tooth.
Or a more balanced gumline.
Has your dentist recommended crown lengthening before a crown or filling? Or are you concerned that your gums cover too much of your teeth? At Lombard Dental Studio in Thousand Oaks, Dr. Vadim Lebovich helps you understand the reason for treatment, the proposed changes and the care that follows.
WHAT IS CROWN LENGTHENING?
Crown lengthening reshapes or repositions gum tissue and, when needed, adjusts the supporting bone. It reveals more existing tooth; it does not make the tooth grow or add an artificial crown.
FOR A CROWN OR FILLING
Decay or a fracture below the gumline can leave too little accessible tooth for a restoration. In selected cases, lengthening exposes more tooth so a crown or filling can be planned.
The decision should consider whether the remaining tooth and its support make restoration worthwhile.
Explore dental crownsFOR SMILE PROPORTIONS
When excess gum tissue covers part of the natural tooth, treatment may expose more of it and change smile proportions.
A gummy smile can have other causes. Your assessment should identify the cause before selecting gum surgery.
Explore cosmetic dentistry
YOUR CONSULTATION IN THOUSAND OAKS
Discuss the tooth, gum health and intended restoration with Dr. Lebovich. The plan should account for neighboring teeth and the support that remains after surgery.
HOW TREATMENT IS PLANNED
A single tooth or several teeth may be treated. Before surgery, agree on the intended tissue changes, anesthesia, alternatives and the timing of any final crown or filling.
Review the tooth and surrounding tissues with appropriate records. Ask how the proposed changes support the final result and whether another approach is preferable.
The area is numbed. Gum tissue is reshaped or repositioned, with bone adjustment where needed, and the site is secured for healing.
Keep the planned healing checks. If a restoration is needed, the dentist times it around tissue stability; temporary work may be used meanwhile.
A CLOSER LOOK AT THE GUMLINE
This comparison illustrates a change in the amount of visible tooth. Your assessment determines whether crown lengthening is appropriate for your gumline.
RECOVERY & TRADEOFFS
Follow your treating clinician’s instructions for food, cleaning, activity and medicines. Ask when to resume brushing and cleaning directly around the surgical site.
Attend your reviews and any planned stitch removal. Tell the team about smoking, an irritating temporary crown or other concerns that could affect healing.
Avoid pulling at the wound to inspect it or changing prescribed care without checking with the treating team.
Discomfort, swelling, bleeding, infection and tooth sensitivity are possible. Gum changes can expose an existing crown edge or create spaces between teeth.
Call about persistent bleeding, worsening pain or swelling, fever or drainage. Discuss any change that concerns you at follow-up.
Call 805-495-2431CROWN LENGTHENING COSTS
The number of teeth, tissue changes, records and follow-up affect the fee. The final crown, filling or other restorative work may be charged separately.
Insurance benefits depend on the reason for treatment and your policy. Confirm your expected share before proceeding.
Explore payment optionsCompare the proposed treatment with suitable alternatives and the likely outlook for the tooth.
YOUR QUESTIONS
Discuss your situation and the recommended next steps with the treating team.
No. It exposes more existing tooth by changing the gum level, and sometimes bone. The natural root and crown lengths do not grow.
Yes, in appropriate cases. The effect on neighboring gum and bone levels still needs consideration.
No. It is considered when the accessible tooth structure and tissue relationships require it, not as a routine stage for every crown.
Not always. Gum-only reshaping may be enough in some cases; others require bone adjustment. The examination identifies which tissues must change.
No. Lip movement, jaw relationships, and tooth proportions can contribute. The underlying cause must be identified before choosing treatment.
The gum position needs time to heal and stabilize. Your provider sets the restorative timing based on the area, healing, and appearance requirements.
Sensitivity is possible when more root or tooth surface is exposed. Discuss the expected change and management before agreeing to treatment.
Depending on the tooth, alternatives can include a different restoration, orthodontic extrusion, monitoring, or extraction and replacement. Compare prognosis and the effects on supporting tissue.
The area is numbed for surgery. Soreness or sensitivity can occur afterward. Discuss your concerns and the recommended comfort measures with the treating clinician.
Coverage varies with the plan and whether the procedure is needed for a restoration or primarily for appearance. Ask for an estimate of benefits and your share; coverage is not guaranteed.
LOMBARD DENTAL STUDIO
Visit Lombard Dental Studio in Thousand Oaks to discuss crown lengthening, the treatment goal and how any surgery will be coordinated with your dental care.
245 Lombard St
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
Monday–Friday · 10 am–5 pm
Contact and directions ↗Further reading: AAP: crown lengthening · AAP: gumline treatment · Cambridge University Hospitals: surgery and healing
