Crown Lengthening in Silver Springs
Maybe a back tooth broke off near the gumline and you were told a crown "won't hold." Maybe your front teeth look short and stubby because gum tissue covers too much of them. Or maybe a cavity has crept below the gum where a filling can't reach. These are the everyday situations that bring Silver Springs patients to our office asking about crown lengthening — a straightforward periodontal procedure that reshapes gum tissue, and sometimes a small amount of bone, so more of your natural tooth is available to work with.
Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth's structure by carefully adjusting the gumline around it. Your tooth doesn't grow; we simply uncover what is already there. That extra exposed structure gives a crown, onlay, or filling something solid to grip, and it restores the healthy spacing your gums need to stay comfortable against a restoration.
There are two general reasons we recommend it. The first is functional: a tooth is fractured, worn, or decayed close to the gumline and a restoration needs more surface to bond to. Without crown lengthening, a crown placed too close to the gum tissue can trap plaque and irritate the gums. The second is cosmetic: when a smile shows a lot of gum tissue, or when the gumline is uneven from tooth to tooth, reshaping it can make teeth look longer and more balanced. We offer cosmetic gum contouring and gingivectomy alongside crown lengthening, so Silver Springs patients can have the clinical and the aesthetic side handled under one roof.
You may be a good candidate if a tooth broke at or below the gumline, if decay extends under the gum, if a previous crown keeps coming loose, or if you simply dislike how much gum shows when you smile. We also perform crown lengthening as a planning step before larger work — bridges, veneers, or a full mouth rehabilitation — where the gumline needs to be consistent across several teeth.
Here is what the first visit involves. We examine the tooth and surrounding gum tissue, take the images we need, and check for active gum disease. If periodontal infection is present, we usually treat that first with scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatment, because healthy tissue heals better and holds its new shape. From there, we map out how much tissue to reshape, whether one tooth or several are involved, and how the final restoration will fit. If you're coming from Silver Springs, we're happy to group the exam and planning into as few trips as we reasonably can.
- A clear explanation of why the tooth needs more exposed structure before any work begins
- Local anesthetic for comfort, with nitrous oxide or oral sedation available if you'd prefer it
- Precise reshaping of gum tissue, and bone when the situation calls for it, around the treated tooth or teeth
- Laser dentistry as an option in appropriate cases
- A healing period before the final crown or restoration is made
What Treatment and Recovery Look Like
The procedure itself is typically done in a single appointment. We numb the area thoroughly, reshape the tissue to the plan we discussed, and clean the site. Many patients are surprised at how manageable it is — most of the appointment is preparation and precision rather than anything dramatic.
Afterward, expect some tenderness and mild swelling for a few days. We'll give you specific instructions: soft foods, gentle brushing near the site, and how to keep the area clean while it heals. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough for most patients. Gums need time to settle into their new position before a permanent crown is fitted, so we'll schedule a follow-up to check healing and confirm the tissue has stabilized. When it's time for the restoration, our on-site dental lab means crowns can often be fabricated right here rather than sent out and waited on — a real convenience for Silver Springs patients who'd rather not make extra drives.
Insurance, Payment, and Getting Started
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file periodontal claims as a general practitioner. If you're self-pay, that's welcome too, and we offer flexible payment plans so a needed procedure doesn't have to wait. We'll go over your coverage and estimated costs before treatment so there are no surprises.
You don't need a referral to be seen for periodontal care with us. Ocala Dental Care has served Silver Springs and the surrounding Marion County communities for over 30 years, with Dr. Hussein Salifu and Dr. Marco Geris caring for patients of all ages. We also keep room for emergency appointments, so if a tooth has just broken at the gumline, call us and we'll find a time.