Crown Lengthening & Gum Contouring in Tijuana
Laser Treatment to Improve Gummy Smiles and Save Damaged Teeth
Modern laser technology precisely reshapes the gum line for healthier teeth and a more balanced smile.
- Precision Cosmetic Periodontal Care
- Healthier Gums • Beautiful, Natural-Looking Smiles
Reveal a Healthier Smile or Save a Damaged Tooth
Many people think they have naturally short teeth when the real issue is excess gum tissue covering part of their smile. Others need crown lengthening because a damaged tooth does not have enough healthy structure above the gum line to securely support a dental crown.
Although these treatments serve different purposes, both involve carefully reshaping the gum tissue—and in some cases a small amount of bone—to expose more of the natural tooth. Using precise laser technology, our periodontal specialists can improve smile aesthetics, create a healthier gum line, and help preserve teeth that might otherwise be difficult to restore.
In many cases, these procedures can help preserve your natural tooth, avoiding extraction and providing a strong foundation for a long-lasting dental restoration. For cosmetic patients, carefully reshaping the gum line can dramatically improve smile symmetry, making the teeth appear longer, healthier, and more proportionate without altering the teeth themselves.
What Is the Difference Between Crown Lengthening and Gum Contouring?
Although these terms are often used interchangeably, they are usually performed for different reasons.
Crown lengthening is primarily a restorative procedure. It is performed to expose more of a tooth so it can be properly repaired or restored with a dental crown.
Gum contouring, on the other hand, is usually a cosmetic procedure. It reshapes the gum line to expose more of the natural teeth and improve the appearance of a gummy smile.
Both procedures involve carefully removing excess gum tissue. In some cases, a small amount of supporting bone must also be reshaped to create a healthy, long-lasting result.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that exposes more of a tooth above the gum line so it can be properly restored.
This treatment is commonly recommended when a tooth has been damaged by decay, trauma, or a fracture that extends close to the gum line. By exposing additional healthy tooth structure, your dentist can build a solid foundation for a dental crown.
Without enough tooth extending above the gum, even the best crown cannot achieve the proper fit and seal needed for long-term success.
For many patients, reshaping the gums is what takes a good smile and makes it exceptional. Learn about our treatment guarantee
What Is Gum Contouring?
Gum contouring is a cosmetic periodontal procedure that reshapes the gum line to improve the appearance of your smile.
Some people naturally have excess gum tissue covering part of their teeth. As a result, their teeth appear shorter than they really are, creating what is commonly called a gummy smile.
By carefully removing the excess gum tissue, more of each tooth becomes visible. This creates a more balanced smile with teeth that appear longer and better proportioned.
The teeth themselves are usually normal size—it is simply the gum tissue that is covering too much of them.
Gum grafting is an important periodontal procedure used to cover exposed roots and reinforce areas of thin or receding gum tissue.
What Causes a Gummy Smile?
Several factors can cause excessive gum tissue to show when you smile.
Common causes include:
- Genetics
- Naturally excessive gum tissue
- Altered passive eruption (the gums never fully receded after the teeth erupted)
- Differences in lip movement
- Jaw development
Many patients are surprised to learn that their teeth are actually normal size. Once the excess gum tissue is removed, the smile often looks dramatically different without changing the teeth themselves.
Gum Contouring Is Often Part of a Smile Makeover
Laser gum contouring is frequently performed before cosmetic dental treatments.
By improving the shape of the gum line first, your cosmetic dentist can create veneers, bonding, or crowns that have more natural proportions.
This combination often produces dramatic smile transformations.
Gum contouring may be combined with:
Crown lengthening is also part of modern periodontal treatment and may be performed for restorative or cosmetic reasons.
Does Crown Lengthening Sometimes Involve Bone Removal?
Yes—depending on the condition of the tooth.
Many people think crown lengthening simply involves removing excess gum tissue. While that is sometimes all that’s needed, there are situations where the periodontist must also remove a small amount of the supporting bone.
This most often occurs when a tooth has been badly damaged, fractured, or has undergone a root canal, leaving too little healthy tooth structure above the gum line to securely support a dental crown.
Simply trimming the gum tissue is often not enough. The tooth still needs sufficient height above both the bone and the gum line so the restorative dentist can properly rebuild the tooth and prepare it for a crown.
During crown lengthening, the periodontist may carefully remove a small amount of both gum tissue and supporting bone. This exposes more of the natural tooth, creating enough healthy structure for the dentist to prepare the tooth correctly and fabricate a crown with a strong, long-lasting seal.
The goal is not simply to make the tooth look longer—it is to save a tooth that might otherwise be difficult or impossible to restore successfully.
Not every crown lengthening procedure requires bone removal. After examining your tooth and reviewing your X-rays or 3D CT scan, your periodontist will determine exactly how much tissue needs to be reshaped to achieve the best long-term result.
A well-planned crown lengthening procedure can help create a healthier foundation for the final crown or restoration. By exposing enough sound tooth structure, the dentist may be able to preserve a natural tooth that might otherwise require extraction.
Who Is a Candidate for Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is recommended when there is not enough healthy tooth structure above the gum line to properly support a dental restoration.
Your dentist or periodontist may recommend this procedure if you have:
- A tooth broken near the gum line
- A tooth with extensive decay below the gum
- A tooth that has undergone root canal treatment but needs more exposed tooth structure for a crown
- An old filling that has failed and extends below the gum line
- A tooth that can still be saved but cannot be properly restored without exposing more of the natural tooth
The goal is to preserve your natural tooth whenever possible by creating enough healthy tooth structure for a strong, well-fitting dental crown.
What Happens During the Procedure?
Crown lengthening is typically performed by a periodontist using precise laser technology and local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure.
The treatment generally involves the following steps:
- The area around the tooth is completely numbed.
- The periodontist carefully exposes the tooth by removing excess gum tissue.
- If necessary, a small amount of supporting bone is reshaped to expose additional healthy tooth structure.
- The area is cleaned and allowed to begin healing.
- Once adequate healing has occurred, your restorative dentist rebuilds the tooth and prepares it for the final dental crown.
The procedure is carefully planned so enough tooth structure is exposed to provide a strong foundation while maintaining healthy gums around the restoration.
Recovery After Crown Lengthening
Most patients experience only mild discomfort following crown lengthening.
You may notice:
- Mild soreness for a few days
- Minor swelling
- Temporary sensitivity around the treated tooth
These symptoms usually improve quickly and can often be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication.
During healing, your dentist may recommend:
- Eating softer foods for several days
- Brushing gently around the treated area
- Following any prescribed oral hygiene instructions
- Returning for follow-up appointments to monitor healing
Once the gums have healed, the tooth can be rebuilt and prepared for its final dental crown.
Complete healing takes place gradually as the gums mature around the tooth. Your dentist will monitor your healing and determine the ideal time to prepare the tooth and place your final crown, helping ensure a secure fit and long-lasting restoration.
Every patient heals at a slightly different pace, but most people recover without complications.
Why Choose Dr. Mexico Dental Group for Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a specialized periodontal procedure that requires both surgical precision and careful treatment planning. Whether the goal is to save a damaged tooth or improve the appearance of your smile, our team focuses on preserving healthy tissue while creating the best possible long-term result.
Our patients benefit from:
- Experienced periodontal specialists
- Modern laser technology for precise gum reshaping
- Digital X-rays and 3D CT imaging when needed
- Comprehensive restorative and cosmetic dentistry in one clinic
- Personalized treatment planning based on your individual needs
If your tooth can be saved, crown lengthening may provide the foundation needed for a successful restoration that can last for many years.
Because crown lengthening often supports another dental treatment, careful coordination between the periodontal and restorative phases is especially important. Our goal is to create the healthy tooth and gum foundation needed for a restoration that looks natural, functions properly, and is easier to maintain.
This integrated approach helps ensure that each stage of treatment is planned with the final result in mind.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Whether the goal is restoring a damaged tooth or improving your smile, crown lengthening offers several important benefits.
- Exposes enough healthy tooth structure for a secure dental crown
- May help save a tooth that might otherwise require extraction
- Improves the fit and long-term success of dental restorations
- Creates a healthier gum line around the tooth
- Can improve the appearance of a gummy smile
- Helps create better proportions for veneers and cosmetic dentistry
- Makes it easier to maintain healthy gums around the restored tooth.
Your Crown Lengthening Consultation
Every crown lengthening procedure begins with a thorough examination of the tooth and surrounding gum tissue. Your periodontist will evaluate whether the tooth can be predictably restored and determine whether only gum tissue needs to be reshaped or if a small amount of supporting bone should also be removed.
Digital X-rays or a 3D CT scan may be used to evaluate the tooth below the gum line and develop the most appropriate treatment plan.
By carefully planning each case, we can maximize the chances of preserving your natural tooth while creating a strong, healthy foundation for a long-lasting dental restoration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is performed using local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Most patients experience only mild soreness for a few days afterward, which is usually manageable with medication.
Why do I need crown lengthening before getting a crown?
A dental crown needs enough healthy tooth structure above the gum line to fit securely. If too much of the tooth is hidden beneath the gums or damaged below the gum line, crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth so it can be properly restored.
Does crown lengthening always involve removing bone?
No. Some cases only require reshaping the gum tissue. However, if there is not enough healthy tooth structure exposed, the periodontist may also remove a small amount of supporting bone to allow the tooth to be properly restored.
Can crown lengthening save a damaged tooth?
In many cases, yes. If enough healthy tooth remains below the damaged area, crown lengthening may expose sufficient tooth structure for your dentist to rebuild the tooth and place a crown instead of extracting it.
How long does crown lengthening take?
Most procedures take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the number of teeth being treated and the complexity of the case.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two. The gums continue healing over the following several weeks before the final crown is placed.
Will my gums grow back?
Once healing is complete, the new gum line is generally stable. If bone reshaping is performed when necessary, the results are designed to be long-lasting.
Who performs crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is usually performed by a periodontist, a dental specialist who treats the gums and supporting bone around the teeth.
Can a tooth always be saved with crown lengthening?
No. If the fracture or decay extends too far below the bone, there may not be enough healthy tooth remaining to support a restoration. In those situations, extraction may be the better option.
How Is Crown Lengthening Beneficial for Smile Aesthetics?
For patients with a gummy smile, crown lengthening can dramatically improve the appearance of the teeth by exposing more of their natural structure. Although the teeth themselves are usually normal size, excess gum tissue can make them appear short. By reshaping the gum line, the teeth look longer, more balanced, and more proportional, creating a more attractive smile. Crown lengthening is often combined with veneers or other cosmetic treatments as part of a smile makeover.
Can Crown Lengthening Prepare My Tooth for a Dental Crown?
Yes. One of the primary reasons for crown lengthening is to expose enough healthy tooth structure for a successful dental restoration. If a tooth has been damaged by decay, fracture, or has required a root canal, there may not be enough tooth above the gum line to securely hold a crown. Crown lengthening creates the foundation needed for a strong, long-lasting restoration.
Is Crown Lengthening Painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during treatment. Most patients experience only mild soreness or tenderness afterward, which usually lasts a few days and can typically be managed with medication. Modern laser technology also helps reduce bleeding, swelling, and recovery time
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
Most crown lengthening procedures take between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case and whether one tooth or several teeth are being treated. Your periodontist will discuss the expected treatment time during your consultation.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Most patients return to normal daily activities within a day or two. The gums continue healing over the following several weeks, and your dentist will determine when the tooth is ready to be rebuilt and prepared for the final crown.
Why do I need crown lengthening before getting a dental crown?
A dental crown needs enough healthy tooth structure above the gum line to fit securely and create a proper seal. If a tooth has been damaged by decay, a fracture, or extensive wear, there may not be enough tooth exposed to support the crown. Crown lengthening exposes additional healthy tooth structure so your dentist can properly rebuild the tooth and create a restoration that is strong, stable, and long-lasting.
Does crown lengthening always involve removing bone?
No. Some crown lengthening procedures only require reshaping the gum tissue. However, if there is still not enough healthy tooth structure exposed after the gum is repositioned, the periodontist may also remove a small amount of supporting bone. This allows enough of the natural tooth to extend above the gum line so the dentist can properly prepare the tooth and seat the crown.
Can crown lengthening save a damaged tooth instead of extracting it?
In many cases, yes. If enough healthy tooth remains below the damaged area, crown lengthening may allow your dentist to save the tooth by exposing additional tooth structure for a crown. However, if the fracture or decay extends too far below the bone, there may not be enough healthy tooth remaining, and extraction may be the better treatment option. Your dentist and periodontist will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the best course of treatment.
Who performs crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is usually performed by a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in treating the gums and supporting bone around the teeth. Periodontists have advanced training in surgical procedures involving the gums and bone and work closely with restorative dentists to help save damaged teeth and prepare them for crowns and other restorations.
Will my gums grow back after crown lengthening?
Once healing is complete, the new gum line is generally stable. If only a small amount of gum tissue is removed, the results are usually long-lasting. In cases where bone is also reshaped, the procedure helps establish a healthy, stable gum position that provides long-term support for the restored tooth.
Is crown lengthening covered by dental insurance?
Coverage depends on your dental insurance plan and the reason for the procedure. When crown lengthening is performed to restore a damaged tooth before placing a dental crown, many dental insurance plans consider it a medically necessary restorative procedure and may provide benefits. Cosmetic gum contouring performed solely to improve the appearance of a gummy smile is less likely to be covered. Our team can help you understand your treatment plan and provide the documentation needed if you plan to submit a claim.
Can I eat normally after crown lengthening?
For the first few days, it is best to eat soft foods and avoid chewing directly on the treated area while your gums begin to heal. As your comfort improves, you can gradually return to your normal diet. Your periodontist will provide specific instructions based on the extent of your procedure and your individual healing progress.
Schedule Your Crown Lengthening Consultation
If you’ve been told there isn’t enough tooth structure to support a dental crown, or if you’re unhappy with a gummy smile, crown lengthening may be the solution.
Our periodontal specialists use modern laser technology to perform precise gum reshaping with patient comfort in mind. Whether your goal is saving a damaged tooth or improving the appearance of your smile, we’ll evaluate your condition and recommend the treatment that’s right for you.
Contact Dr. Mexico Dental Group today to schedule your consultation and learn whether crown lengthening is the best option for your smile.
Related Treatments
Patients interested in crown lengthening may also want to learn about:
- Dental Crowns – Restore damaged teeth after crown lengthening.
- Root Canal Treatment – Often performed before restoring severely damaged teeth.
- Dental Bridges – Replace missing teeth when a tooth cannot be saved.
- Dental Implants – An excellent replacement option if a tooth must be extracted.
- Smile Makeovers – Combine multiple cosmetic treatments for a complete smile transformation.
- Porcelain Veneers – Improve the appearance of worn, chipped, or discolored teeth.
- Composite Bonding – A conservative cosmetic option for repairing minor imperfections.
- Oral Surgery in Tijunana
- Crown lengthening
Related Reading
You may also find these educational articles helpful:
- Can My Tooth Be Saved or Does It Need to Be Extracted?
- Root Canal vs. Tooth Extraction: Which Is Better?
- How Long Do Dental Crowns Last?
- Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
- What Is a Smile Makeover?
- How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Transform Your Smile
- Can a Broken Tooth Be Saved With a Dental Crown?
- What Happens If You Don’t Treat a Damaged Tooth?
- When Is Bone Grafting Needed in Dentistry?
- Can Gum Disease Affect the Success of a Dental Crown?
