Gum & Crown Health
Crown Lengthening in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin
Gentle treatment to reveal more healthy tooth structure at Wauwatosa Dental Arts.
Crown lengthening is a precise gum reshaping procedure that exposes more of your natural tooth above the gumline. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, we focus on comfort, function, and appearance so your smile looks natural and your dentistry lasts. Whether you need room for a new crown or want to reduce a “gummy” smile, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Crown Lengthening
Crown Lengthening at Wauwatosa Dental Arts
Crown lengthening gently adjusts the gum and supporting tissues so more of your tooth is visible. At Wauwatosa Dental Arts in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, this procedure is carefully planned to improve both the health and appearance of your smile while keeping you as comfortable as possible.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
During crown lengthening, your dentist reshapes the gumline and sometimes a small amount of bone around one tooth or several teeth. This creates enough exposed tooth structure for a secure dental crown or filling, or it can be done across the front teeth to balance a gummy smile. The result is a healthier, easier-to-clean area and a more proportional look.
When Crown Lengthening May Be Recommended
Crown lengthening can solve several common dental problems and help protect your long-term oral health.
- Broken or decayed teeth near the gumline Allows room to place a strong, well-fitting crown or filling.
- Gummy or uneven smile Gently recontours excess gum tissue to reveal more tooth and create a more even gumline.
- Deep dental crowns or restorations Helps ensure the edge of a crown sits on solid tooth structure, not fragile root or gum tissue.
- Improved gum health Reduces hard-to-clean areas that can trap plaque and bacteria around the gumline.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your visit begins with a thorough exam, digital imaging, and a discussion of your goals. On the day of treatment, the area is fully numbed, and we carefully reshape the gum and supporting tissues. Most appointments take about an hour, depending on how many teeth are involved, and you go home the same day with detailed instructions.
- Precise planning using digital X-rays and imaging
- Comfortable local anesthesia to numb the treatment area
- Gentle techniques designed to protect surrounding teeth and tissues
- Close follow-up visits to monitor healing and prepare your final crown or restoration
Healing, Results, and Next Steps
Some soreness and swelling are normal for a few days after crown lengthening, and most patients are able to return to normal routines within a short time. As the gums heal over the next several weeks, the final shape of your gumline becomes more defined, and your new crown or cosmetic treatment can be completed.
- Comfort-focused recovery We review home care, soothing rinses, and appropriate pain relief options.
- Long-lasting restorations Proper tooth exposure helps your new crown or filling fit securely and last longer.
- Confident smile A more balanced gumline can make your teeth look longer, more even, and more youthful.
If you have a broken tooth near the gumline or are concerned about a gummy smile, we would be happy to help. Call Wauwatosa Dental Arts at (414) 462-3160 to schedule a crown lengthening consultation and learn whether this treatment is right for you.
The short answer
Crown lengthening is a gum reshaping procedure that exposes more of a natural tooth above the gumline, either to make room for a crown or filling or to even out a gummy smile. After the area is fully numbed with local anesthesia, the dentist reshapes the gumline and sometimes a small amount of the supporting bone around one tooth or several teeth, planned with digital X-rays and imaging. It is used when a broken or decayed tooth sits near the gumline, when a crown edge needs solid tooth structure to rest on, or when excess gum tissue makes the teeth look short and uneven.
Crown Lengthening: Frequently Asked Questions
- Why would I need crown lengthening?
- You may need crown lengthening when too little of a tooth shows above the gumline to support a crown or filling, or when extra gum tissue gives you a gummy or uneven smile. This often applies to teeth that are broken or decayed near the gumline, where a restoration needs solid tooth structure to sit on. By exposing more of the natural tooth, your dentist can restore it securely and improve both function and appearance.
- Is crown lengthening painful?
- Crown lengthening should not be painful during the procedure, because the area is thoroughly numbed with local anesthesia before treatment begins. You should feel only pressure, not pain, while the gum and supporting tissues are reshaped. Mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is common, but most patients manage it well with recommended pain relievers and careful home care.
- How long does it take to heal after crown lengthening?
- Initial healing after crown lengthening usually takes about one to two weeks, and the gums continue to tighten and take their final shape over several weeks. Some soreness and swelling are normal for a few days, and most patients feel much better within a few days. Your dentist will monitor the area at follow-up visits and let you know when the tissues are fully healed and ready for your final crown or cosmetic work.
- Will crown lengthening change the way my smile looks?
- Crown lengthening can change how your smile looks, depending on which teeth are treated and why. When it is performed for functional reasons on a single back tooth, you may not notice any change in your smile. When it is done on the front teeth to correct a gummy smile or uneven gumline, it can make your teeth look longer, more balanced, and more proportional.
- Are there any special instructions after the procedure?
- Yes, you will receive written instructions about diet, brushing, flossing, and using any prescribed mouth rinses after crown lengthening. Eating soft foods and cleaning gently around the area help protect the gums while they heal. Avoiding smoking or alcohol during early healing also helps reduce irritation and promote faster recovery.
- Is crown lengthening safe?
- Crown lengthening is a common, well-established procedure. As with any surgery, there are small risks, such as temporary sensitivity or swelling. Careful planning, modern techniques, and good home care help keep complications rare.
- How much does crown lengthening cost?
- The cost of crown lengthening varies based on how many teeth are treated and whether the procedure is done for functional or cosmetic reasons. Our team reviews fees with you in advance, so you know what to expect before treatment begins. We can also help you understand your insurance benefits when applicable and discuss payment or financing options that may fit your budget.
- Will my insurance cover crown lengthening?
- Many dental plans provide partial coverage for crown lengthening when it is needed to restore a tooth with a crown or filling. Cosmetic gum reshaping, such as treatment for a gummy smile, may not be covered. We are happy to review your specific plan, provide estimates, and explain your options before treatment begins.
- How do I know if I am a candidate?
- The best way to find out whether you are a candidate for crown lengthening is to schedule an exam. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums, and bite and discuss your goals for your smile. From there, you will get a recommendation on whether crown lengthening or another treatment is the best solution for you.
Schedule Appointment
Call us at (414) 462-3160 or visit us at 11600 W North Ave, Wauwatosa, WI 53226.
