Crown Lengthening in Summerfield
A tooth breaks off near the gumline while you're eating, and the dentist tells you there isn't enough tooth left above the gum to hold a crown. Or you look in the mirror and feel like your teeth look short and stubby because gum tissue covers too much of them. Both of those situations have the same answer: crown lengthening. For patients in Summerfield, it's a procedure we perform regularly, and it's often the step that makes a crown, a filling, or a more even smile possible.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that reshapes gum tissue — and, when needed, a small amount of the underlying bone — to expose more of the natural tooth. Nothing is added to the tooth itself. We simply adjust the tissue around it so that more of the healthy tooth structure is visible and accessible.
There are two broad reasons we recommend it. The first is functional: a tooth that is decayed, fractured, or worn down close to the gumline doesn't give a crown enough surface to grip. Without crown lengthening, a restoration can sit too close to the gum, trap bacteria, and fail early. The second reason is cosmetic. Some people have healthy teeth of normal length that simply appear short because excess gum tissue covers them. Reshaping that tissue creates a more balanced ratio between gum and tooth across the smile.
We handle crown lengthening within our periodontics care alongside gum grafting, periodontal regeneration, cosmetic gum contouring, and gingivectomy. Because we also place implants and provide restorative and prosthodontic care in the same office, Summerfield patients don't have to coordinate between separate practices to finish a case.
Most candidates fall into one of a few categories. You may be a good candidate if a tooth has broken at or below the gumline, if decay extends under the gum, if a previous crown keeps coming loose because there's little tooth to hold it, or if you're pursuing cosmetic work like porcelain veneers and want the gumline evened out first. We also perform crown lengthening as part of larger plans — full mouth rehabilitation, bridges, or restorative work involving several teeth at once.
Your first visit is an evaluation. We examine the tooth and surrounding gum tissue, take images, and check the health of the gums and bone. If active gum disease is present, we usually treat that first with scaling and root planing or other gum disease treatment, because crown lengthening works best on a stable foundation. We'll explain what we see, how much tissue needs to be adjusted, and what the final restoration will look like. You don't need a referral to be seen for periodontal care here.
What the Procedure and Recovery Look Like
Crown lengthening is done in our office with local anesthesia. For patients who feel anxious, we offer nitrous oxide sedation and oral sedation. We make small adjustments to the gum tissue around the tooth, remove or contour bone if the situation calls for it, and then shape the tissue so it heals in its new position. Laser dentistry is available and may be used depending on the case. Most appointments are straightforward and completed in a single visit.
Here's what Summerfield patients can generally expect:
- A consultation and exam before anything is scheduled, including treatment of any active gum disease
- Local anesthesia, with nitrous oxide or oral sedation available if you'd like it
- Clear home-care instructions covering diet, brushing around the site, and managing soreness
- A follow-up visit so we can check healing and the new gumline
- A healing period before the final crown or restoration is placed, so the tissue settles into its permanent position
Aftercare is simple but matters. Expect some tenderness and swelling for a few days. Stick to softer foods at first, keep the area clean as directed, and avoid disturbing the site. Once healing is complete, we move forward with the crown, filling, veneer, or other restoration that prompted the procedure.
Scheduling and Payment for Summerfield Patients
We've cared for families in and around Marion County for over 30 years, and Summerfield residents are a regular part of our day. We treat all ages, keep a hygienist on staff, and offer emergency dental appointments — which matters when a tooth fractures unexpectedly and you need to know your options quickly.
Our on-site dental lab allows us to fabricate crowns, dentures, and repairs in-house, which shortens the gap between crown lengthening and your finished restoration. We accept all major PPO insurance plans and file periodontal claims as a general practitioner. We also welcome self-pay and cash patients, and we offer flexible payment plans so cost doesn't stall treatment you need. Call us to schedule an evaluation and we'll walk you through what your care involves.