Crown Lengthening in Albany, NY

At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, board-certified oral surgery experts Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, Timothy Adams, and Luis Delgado are highly proficient in crown lengthening to improve the appearance and health of the smile. Crown lengthening is a common technique used to expose more of the enamel surface by removing and reshaping excess or overgrown gum tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. We use the latest in techniques to perform crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons, to enhance the look of a "gummy" smile, and for functional concerns, such as when not enough of a tooth is visible above the gumline to hold a crown, filling, or other restoration. For more information on crown lengthening procedures from our caring surgical team, contact our Albany, NY practice and reserve your visit today.

Ideal candidates for crown lengthening should be in good overall health, particularly when it comes to the gums. Issues, like periodontal (gum) disease, may need to be treated before crown lengthening is performed. Most frequently, crown lengthening is performed for aesthetic reasons to fix a "gummy" smile that may cause the front teeth to appear short. In these situations, excess gum and bone tissue can be eliminated to balance the ratio of visible enamel to gums and offer you an even, more attractive gumline. However, functional crown lengthening may also be required to allow for the placement of a dental restoration. In cases where tooth structure damage or decay sits at or below the gumline, our surgeons may need to remove a small amount of gum and bone tissue from around the tooth to expose an adequate amount of enamel over which a crown, filling, or other restoration can be placed.

To begin the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the treatment areas to minimize your discomfort. Other sedation methods can be discussed during your consultation with our team to help you stay calm and comfortable throughout the process. After your mouth is prepared, excess gum (and possibly bone) tissue will be gently removed using an advanced precision technique to show more of your enamel. Your gumline will also be sculpted and contoured for an even look. As soon as your crown lengthening procedure is finished, we will rinse your tissues and provide post-operative instructions for care.

Following your crown lengthening procedure, your gum tissues and bone may be tender or sore. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can be used to lessen your discomfort. It may be helpful to stick to a liquid or soft food diet for a few days as your gums recover. Special instructions for how to care for your teeth and gums as you heal will be reviewed by our clinical team. In some cases, you might need to schedule a follow-up appointment at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons so that we can monitor your healing. Our surgeons will also let you know when a tooth can receive a restoration following a functional crown lengthening procedure. 

Dental insurance providers may cover a part of the expense for crown lengthening, depending on why the procedure is being performed. Our financial team will get in touch with your provider to determine what your out-of-pocket expenses might be prior to your visit. To help you comfortably cover any personal costs, Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons accepts a variety of easy payment options. We can also give you information on medical financing that may help to make your dental treatments even more affordable.

Crown lengthening may be the ideal solution for enhancing the look of a gummy smile or creating the space necessary for a tooth restoration. Our experienced Albany, NY team uses our refined skill and state-of-the-art technology to provide the precision crown lengthening results you may need for better oral health. Schedule a consultation with Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to determine if you are a candidate for aesthetic or functional crown lengthening procedures.