What Is Crown Lengthening?A Quick Guide for Beginners

Crown lengthening is one of the most common treatments in cosmetic dentistry; it’s designed to remove extra gum tissue in order to expose more of a person’s tooth or “crown.” The tooth's crown is the visible portion of the tooth. It’s often used to make a smile look better or in preparation for other dental procedures, such as crowns or filings.
Many times, people with a “gummy smile” may seek crown lengthening to improve their appearance. When teeth have excessive gum coverage, they appear much shorter than they truly are. This cosmetic procedure allows dentists to trim away excess gum tissue and increase the size of teeth for a more proportionate smile.
Additionally, if your tooth is damaged by chips or decay that lie beneath the gum line, you may need a dentist to expose more of the tooth by trimming the gum. In this way, they can prepare the tooth for placement of a crown or complete the rest of the restorative treatment on you. Crown lengthening also ensures that a restored tooth has plenty of structure so it remains in your mouth as long as possible.
For more on how Crown Lengthening in Beverly Hills could be for you, be sure to consult with your qualified Cosmetic Dentist to see if you’re an ideal candidate. The process is usually done under local anesthesia and involves carefully sculpting portions of the excess tissue. In some instances, a small amount of bone will be shaped. The entire treatment process usually takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, but most patients recover with relative speed by following recommended dental care instructions and procedures for a post-procedure recovery.