All About Crown Lengthening: An Easy Fix for a Gummy Smile

If you’re bothered by a “gummy” smile, you might consider crown lengthening. At Baton Rouge Perio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dr. Jenny Herman and her team offer this in-office procedure that reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural tooth structure.

Whether you want to improve the appearance of your smile or need more tooth exposed for a dental crown or other restoration, crown lengthening offers both cosmetic and functional benefits.

Looking for a fix for a gummy smile

A “gummy smile” is a term used to describe a smile that shows too much gum tissue above your upper teeth. While what’s considered “too much” can be subjective, dental professionals generally define a gummy smile as one where more than 3 to 4 millimeters of gum tissue is visible when you smile. Some may even consider showing just two millimeters of gum tissue as excessive gingival display. 

This can make teeth appear shorter or uneven, even if they’re healthy and properly aligned. Gummy smiles can result from excess gum tissue, a high lip line, or the way your teeth and jaw developed. 

Regardless of the cause, gummy smiles can often lead people to feel self-conscious about their smile. Correcting a gummy smile can enhance the appearance of your smile and boost your self-esteem. 

All about crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure — periodontal refers to the tissues that support and surround your teeth — that involves reshaping gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone to expose more of your tooth. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and can typically be completed in one visit.

You might benefit from crown lengthening for:

• Cosmetic reasons, like minimizing a gummy smile
• restorative purposes, such as preparing a tooth for a crown when not enough tooth structure is visible above the gumline

Crown lengthening can be a standalone procedure or incorporated into larger treatment plans.

What to expect during crown lengthening 

At Baton Rouge Periodontics & Implants, crown lengthening is a straightforward, in-office procedure. Dr. Herman begins by numbing the area and offering sedation if you’d like extra help relaxing. 

Once you’re comfortable, she makes a small incision to gently separate the gums from your teeth. Next, she uses precise laser and surgical tools to reshape your gumline, and in some cases, remove a small amount of bone. 

The entire procedure typically takes about an hour. Once the gum tissue is properly adjusted, Dr. Herman carefully closes the incision.

You go home the same day with a healthier, more balanced smile.

Taking care of your gums post-crown lengthening

Your results are immediately apparent, and you’ll be able to see that your teeth look longer.

After the procedure, you may experience some minor swelling or sensitivity, but this typically resolves within a few days. 

Dr. Herman gives you personalized aftercare instructions, including:

• Taking over-the-counter medications or prescribed pain relief as directed
• Using a soft-bristled toothbrush (but avoid brushing your gums directly until given the green light to do so)
• Rinsing with a saltwater solution or prescribed rinse
• Avoiding hard or spicy foods for a few days

Most people return to normal activities within a day or two, but full gum healing can take 2-3 months. 

Say goodbye to your gummy smile

Dr. Herman is a periodontist with extensive experience in cosmetic and restorative periodontal procedures. That means when you come to Baton Rouge Perio, we put an emphasis on health and aesthetics. 

Call our office at 225-769-1444  or request an appointment online to learn more about crown lengthening for gummy smiles.