At Council Oak Perio in Austin, TX, crown lengthening is an effective procedure that enhances both the function and appearance of your smile. By reshaping the gum and bone tissue, it reveals more of your natural tooth structure.
Whether you’re addressing a gummy smile or preparing for a restoration, our skilled team uses advanced techniques to ensure natural-looking, lasting results.
Crown lengthening is a surgical dental procedure that reshapes the gum and underlying bone to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It’s commonly recommended when a tooth is too short to support a crown or filling, or when excess gum tissue affects the appearance of your smile.
Though it may sound complex, the process is straightforward and performed with your comfort in mind.
If your teeth appear small or you’re self-conscious about a gummy smile, esthetic crown lengthening can dramatically enhance your appearance. By gently removing excess gum tissue and sculpting the gum line, this procedure creates a more balanced, proportionate smile that complements your facial features.
For certain restorative treatments to succeed, enough of the natural tooth must be visible above the gum line. Functional crown lengthening is often necessary when a tooth is broken near the gum or affected by deep decay.
By exposing more of the tooth structure, your dentist can securely place a crown or filling and ensure stability over time. It’s also helpful in cases where gum disease treatment has left teeth with compromised support.
Here's a step-by-step overview of what to expect:
If you have dental anxiety, ask about our sedation dentistry options to make your experience as stress-free as possible.
You may be a candidate if you:
Not sure if this applies to you? Our team at Council Oak Perio is happy to evaluate your smile and walk you through your options.
Crown lengthening offers multiple benefits:
Recovery is usually smooth. Here’s what most patients experience:
| Recovery Milestone | Typical Timeline |
| Swelling or tenderness |
First 24–48 hours |
| Resume normal activity | Within 1–2 days |
| Gum healing | 1–2 weeks |
| Final results | Within a few months |
Following post-op care instructions, such as avoiding hard foods and maintaining good oral hygiene, will help speed up your healing process.
Council Oak Perio offers laser-assisted crown lengthening for many cases. Laser technology helps reduce bleeding, minimizes swelling, and shortens recovery time. It also enhances precision—giving you more predictable, refined results.
While generally safe, crown lengthening does carry some risks, including:
Choosing an experienced specialist like those at Council Oak Perio can significantly reduce these risks and ensure a smooth recovery.
At Council Oak Perio in Austin, TX, crown lengthening is performed with meticulous attention to detail—balancing aesthetics and functionality to deliver lasting results. Whether you need to prepare for a restoration or are looking to refine your smile, our board-certified periodontists use the latest tools and periodontal services to guide you through the process with care.
Interested in learning more? Contact us today to see how crown lengthening can transform your smile.