Crown lengthening reshapes your gum line to reveal more natural tooth structure and create a healthier, more balanced smile. At Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants in Charlotte, you receive care from specialists who focus on gum and bone health every day. We design a personalized plan that improves your gum contour, reveals more natural tooth structure, and protects your teeth for years to come. Whether you want to correct a gummy smile or prepare a damaged tooth for a stable restoration, our team will guide you through a clear and comfortable experience.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening for a More Balanced Smile
If you feel your teeth look short or notice excess gum tissue when you smile, aesthetic crown lengthening can help you achieve a more natural, proportionate appearance. This treatment gently reshapes the gum line to reveal the true size of your teeth. You gain a brighter and more confident smile without altering the teeth themselves.
Benefits of Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
- Reduces excess gum tissue
- Creates a more attractive and symmetrical smile
- Reveals the natural shape of each tooth
- Helps you feel more confident when you smile
- Supports future cosmetic dental plans if desired
How Aesthetic Crown Lengthening Enhances Your Smile
Your periodontist takes precise measurements and studies your facial features, lip position, and smile line. This helps us place your new gum line in a harmonious and natural location. Our focus is on creating results that fit your unique facial structure and look refined and balanced.
Functional Crown Lengthening for Restorative Support
Functional crown lengthening is designed to expose more of a tooth that has been damaged by decay or fracture. By reshaping the gum tissue and, in some cases, the underlying bone, we create the access and stability needed to preserve your natural tooth.
When Your Dentist May Recommend Functional Crown Lengthening
- A tooth breaks below the gum line
Decay is deep and difficult to reach - A restoration needs more exposed tooth for a proper fit
- Gum tissue creates irritation around an older restoration
- You want to save a tooth instead of removing it
Our goal is to protect the natural tooth, create room for a stable restoration, and help you maintain sustained oral health.
What You Can Expect During Treatment
Your procedure is completed with local anesthetic to help you stay comfortable. Treatment time depends on how many teeth are involved and whether bone reshaping is needed to create the right tooth exposure.
Your Step-by-Step Experience
- Your periodontist gently lifts the gum tissue to view the tooth and underlying bone.
- The gum line is reshaped to the ideal height for your needs.
- A small amount of bone may be adjusted to support the new gum position.
- The gums are placed at their new level and protected with a periodontal dressing.
If your restorative dentist is planning a crown, we coordinate with them so your final restoration fits properly once healing is complete.
Crown Lengthening Recovery and Healing
Most patients return to their daily routines shortly after treatment. Mild swelling during the first days is normal. You will receive specific home care instructions and may be given a medicated rinse to support early healing. Full healing takes two to three months. Once your gums are stable, the area is ready for any planned restorative work.
Why Patients Choose Metrolina Periodontics & Dental Implants
At Metrolina Periodontics and Dental Implants, you receive specialty care from experienced periodontists who understand the complexities of gum and bone health. Your treatment is provided by Dr. Matthew Ficca, a board-certified periodontist and dental implant surgeon, and Dr. Daniel Hall, a board-certified periodontist and dental implant surgeon. Both doctors take time to explain your options and help you feel comfortable and informed throughout your care.
What Sets Our Practice Apart
- Personalized and unrushed appointments
- Calm, welcoming environment
- Direct communication with your doctor
- Modern surgical suites with advanced technology
- Strong emphasis on comfort at every visit
- Close coordination with your restorative dentist when needed
- Trusted periodontal expertise recognized throughout Charlotte
Are You a Candidate for Crown Lengthening?
You may be a good candidate if you want to improve your gum aesthetics or if a tooth needs more natural structure exposed for a reliable restoration. During your consultation, your periodontist will review your dental history, examine your gums and supporting bone, and help you understand the best approach for your goals.
Crown Lengthening FAQs
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Will Crown Lengthening Improve The Look Of My Smile?
Yes. If you have excess gum tissue or teeth that appear short, crown lengthening can create a more balanced and attractive smile. Once the gums heal, you see a clean and natural contour that brings out the true shape of your teeth. Many patients tell us they feel more confident when they smile after treatment.
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How Soon Will I See Results?
You will notice a change right away because the gum line sits at a healthier height. The final look continues to refine as the tissue heals. Once healing is complete, you enjoy a smooth and stable gum contour that supports a beautiful smile.
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Is Aesthetic Crown Lengthening Permanent?
Yes. Once the gum heals in its new position, the result remains stable. You gain a balanced gum line that highlights your natural teeth and supports a beautiful smile for many years.
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How Do I Know If I Need Crown Lengthening?
If you see more gum than you prefer when you smile, or if a tooth has decay or a fracture below the gum line, you may benefit from crown lengthening treatment. During your consultation, your periodontist evaluates your gums, bone support, and overall oral health to help you understand the best approach.
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Will My Face Or Lips Look Different After Treatment?
No. Aesthetic crown lengthening adjusts only the gum tissue and, in some cases, a small amount of bone. Your lips and facial features do not change. You simply reveal more of your natural teeth, which can create a brighter and more refined smile.
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Can Crown Lengthening Help Me Avoid A Tooth Extraction?
Yes. Functional crown lengthening often helps preserve a tooth that cannot be reached or restored in its current condition. By exposing more tooth structure, your periodontist gives you a better chance of saving the natural tooth without a tooth extraction.
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How Long Does a Crown Lengthening Appointment Take?
Most treatments are completed within one to two hours. The exact timing depends on how many teeth are involved and whether bone reshaping is needed.
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How Long Before I Can Get My Final Crown?
Most restorative work begins once the gum line is stable. This usually takes two to three months and helps your final crown fit comfortably.
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Is Crown Lengthening Safe?
Yes. Crown lengthening is a predictable and common periodontal procedure. Your periodontist reviews your medical history, explains what to expect, and follows a precise plan tailored to your needs.
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Will I Need Someone To Drive Me Home?
You can usually drive yourself home because most patients receive local anesthetic only. If you choose additional comfort options, your doctor will discuss any driving recommendations before your visit.
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How Soon Can I Eat After The Procedure?
You can eat soft foods once the numbness wears off. Your periodontist will review specific guidelines so you feel comfortable during early healing.
Start Your Personalized Periodontal Care With Metrolina
If you want to improve your smile or prepare a tooth for a secure restoration, our team is ready to support you. You will receive a detailed plan, a calm experience, and clear answers to all of your questions. Schedule a consultation to get started and learn how crown lengthening can benefit you.
