What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a specialized dental procedure performed to expose more of your natural tooth structure by carefully reshaping the gum tissue and, when necessary, the underlying bone. At Amazing Smile Dentistry in Las Vegas, Dr. Joseph Gelo performs this routine procedure for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. When decay or damage extends below the gum line, crown lengthening creates the needed space to properly place dental restorations like crowns or bridges. Additionally, this procedure can dramatically improve the appearance of a “gummy smile” by creating a more balanced, aesthetic ratio between your teeth and gums.
Why Might You Need Crown Lengthening?
There are several reasons why our Las Vegas patients might benefit from crown lengthening:
Restorative Needs: When tooth decay or damage occurs below the gum line, crown lengthening provides the necessary access to place a proper restoration. Without adequate tooth structure above the gum, a crown or bridge cannot be securely attached.
Cosmetic Enhancement: If you feel your smile shows too much gum tissue and not enough of your teeth, you may have what dentists call a “gummy smile.” Crown lengthening can create a more proportionate smile by revealing more of your natural teeth.
Even Gum Line: Sometimes crown lengthening is performed on just one tooth to create a more uniform gum line that matches your other teeth, creating harmony in your smile’s appearance.
How Crown Lengthening Works at Amazing Smile Dentistry
When you visit our Las Vegas office for crown lengthening, Dr. Gelo uses advanced techniques to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure. The process typically involves:
- A thorough examination using our state-of-the-art technology to determine the exact amount of gum tissue and/or bone that needs to be removed
- Gentle reshaping of the gum tissue around the affected tooth or teeth
- When necessary, minor adjustment of the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth structure
- Careful suturing to promote proper healing with minimal discomfort
Many patients are surprised by how quick and comfortable the procedure is, and how dramatically it can improve both the function and appearance of their smile.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Beyond enabling the placement of dental restorations or improving the appearance of your smile, crown lengthening offers several additional benefits:
Improved Oral Health: By creating better access to previously covered areas of your teeth, crown lengthening can make daily brushing and flossing more effective, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Long-Lasting Results: Unlike some cosmetic dental procedures that may need regular maintenance, crown lengthening typically provides permanent results with proper oral hygiene.
Versatile Solution: Whether performed on a single tooth or across your entire smile, crown lengthening can be customized to address your specific needs and goals.
Enhanced Confidence: Many patients report feeling more confident about their smile after crown lengthening corrects a gummy appearance.
Crown Lengthening and Other Dental Services
At Amazing Smile Dentistry, crown lengthening often complements our other dental services, including:
Ceramic Crowns: After crown lengthening, we can place our beautiful, durable ceramic crowns that perfectly match your natural teeth in both form and function.
Dental Fillings: Sometimes crown lengthening is needed to access decay below the gum line before placing a filling.
Pediatric Dentistry: While crown lengthening is typically performed on adult patients, our comprehensive pediatric dental services ensure that younger patients receive the specialized care they need.
Cosmetic Dentistry: Crown lengthening is just one of many cosmetic procedures we offer, including veneers, teeth whitening, and ClearCorrect®.
Recovery After Crown Lengthening
Most patients return to their normal activities within a day or two after crown lengthening. Dr. Gelo will provide specific post-procedure care instructions, which typically include:
- Temporary dietary modifications
- Gentle oral hygiene practices around the treatment area
- Medication recommendations to manage any discomfort
- A follow-up appointment to monitor healing
Complete healing usually occurs within a few weeks, after which any planned restorations like crowns can be placed.
Why Choose Amazing Smile Dentistry for Crown Lengthening?
When selecting a dentist in Las Vegas for crown lengthening, experience and expertise matter. Dr. Joseph Gelo brings over a decade of specialized experience to every procedure. With his extensive training, including over 500 hours of Dental Implant education and his Associate Fellowship of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, you can trust that your smile is in capable hands.
Our state-of-the-art office on Rainbow Boulevard features the latest dental technology, including Digital Impressions, CBCT imaging, and Laser Dentistry tools that make procedures like crown lengthening more precise and comfortable than ever before.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening
Is crown lengthening painful?
At Amazing Smile Dentistry, we use local anesthesia to ensure your comfort during the procedure. Most patients report minimal discomfort afterward that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does crown lengthening take?
The procedure typically takes 30 minutes to an hour, depending on how many teeth are being treated and whether bone reshaping is needed.
Will my insurance cover crown lengthening?
Many dental insurance plans cover crown lengthening when it’s needed for restorative purposes. Our team will help you understand your coverage before treatment begins.
How soon after crown lengthening can I get my dental crown?
Generally, we wait about 4-6 weeks after crown lengthening before placing permanent crowns to allow for complete healing and gum stabilization.
What’s the difference between crown lengthening and gum contouring?
While both procedures reshape gum tissue, crown lengthening often involves adjusting the underlying bone structure and is typically more extensive than cosmetic gum contouring.
Ready to Transform Your Smile with Crown Lengthening?
Whether you need crown lengthening to prepare for a dental restoration or to enhance your smile’s appearance, Amazing Smile Dentistry is here to help. Dr. Gelo and our caring team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.
📍 Visit Us: 6252 S. Rainbow Blvd., Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89118
📞 Call: (702) 734-6252
📩 Or Request an Appointment Online Today
Don’t let a gummy smile or damaged tooth hold you back. Experience the Amazing Smile difference with our crown lengthening services in Las Vegas!