Crown Lengthening in Reddick
A tooth breaks off near the gumline while you're eating, and the dentist tells you there isn't enough tooth structure left to hold a crown. Or maybe your teeth look short and squat because your gums cover more of them than they should. Both situations have the same solution, and we see Reddick patients for it regularly at our Ocala office. Crown lengthening reshapes gum tissue — and sometimes a small amount of bone — to expose more of the natural tooth, making restorative work possible and smiles more balanced.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that adjusts the level of the gums and supporting bone around a tooth so more of the tooth's structure is visible and accessible. It is performed for two broad reasons: functional and cosmetic. On the functional side, a tooth that has fractured, decayed, or worn down close to the gumline may not offer enough surface for a crown, onlay, or filling to grip securely. By carefully lowering the gum and bone margin, we give the restoration a stable foundation and a clean edge that's easier to keep healthy.
On the cosmetic side, crown lengthening corrects what's often called a "gummy" smile. Some people have teeth that are perfectly normal in size but partially hidden beneath excess gum tissue. Reshaping that tissue reveals the full tooth and creates a more even gumline across the front of the smile. We also perform gum contouring and gingivectomy procedures, and in a smile-design consultation we'll explain which approach fits your situation. Because we offer periodontics alongside general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry under one roof, the treatment plan stays coordinated from start to finish.
Most candidates fall into a few recognizable groups. If you've had a tooth break below the gumline, if decay extends under the gum, if a previous crown keeps coming loose, or if you feel your teeth look too short, crown lengthening may be worth discussing. It's also commonly done before a crown is placed on a tooth that has had root canal therapy, which we provide for molars, premolars, and front teeth.
Candidacy depends on the health of the surrounding gums and bone, so we begin with an exam and imaging. If active gum disease is present, we typically address that first with scaling and root planing or other periodontal treatment, then revisit crown lengthening once the tissue is stable. We see patients of all ages and accept patients without a referral, so Reddick residents can schedule directly with us rather than being routed through multiple offices.
- A secure, properly fitted foundation for crowns, onlays, and other restorations
- Better access to decay or fractures that currently sit below the gumline
- A more even, proportionate gumline for patients bothered by a gummy smile
- Easier daily cleaning around the margins of a restoration
- The option to save a tooth that might otherwise be considered for extraction
What the Procedure and Recovery Involve
The appointment starts with thorough numbing of the area. We then make small, precise adjustments to the gum tissue — and, when the situation calls for it, a conservative amount of bone — to expose the needed tooth structure. Laser dentistry is available in our office and may be appropriate for certain soft-tissue cases. For patients who feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation; let us know ahead of time and we'll plan accordingly. The procedure is usually completed in a single visit, with the length depending on how many teeth are involved.
Afterward, expect some tenderness and mild swelling for a few days. We'll send you home with specific instructions covering rinses, soft foods, and how to brush near the treated area without disturbing healing. We'll schedule a follow-up to check the tissue, and once the gums have settled into their new contour, we move forward with your crown or other restoration. Our on-site dental lab means crowns, dentures, and repairs are fabricated here — which keeps turnaround short for patients driving in from Reddick rather than stretching treatment across extra trips.
Scheduling, Insurance, and Payment for Reddick Patients
Reddick sits a short drive from our Ocala practice, where we've cared for Marion County families for more than 30 years. Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris see adults and children, and we keep room in the schedule for emergency appointments — useful if a tooth fractures suddenly and you need to know your options quickly.
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file claims as a general practice, which often simplifies coverage for periodontal procedures. We also welcome self-pay and cash patients, and flexible payment plans are available if you'd rather spread the cost out. Before treatment begins, we'll walk you through the plan and what to expect financially, so there are no surprises. Call our office to arrange a consultation and we'll tell you honestly whether crown lengthening is the right next step.