Oral Surgery & Periodontics
Crown Lengthening
Revealing more of what's already yours.
25,000+ patients served across our 3 offices
The Anthem approach
Crown lengthening solves two very different problems with one refined procedure. Functionally, it exposes more tooth structure so a broken or decayed tooth can be properly crowned instead of extracted. Aesthetically, it rebalances a 'gummy' smile, revealing the full, beautifully proportioned teeth hiding beneath.
Performed with soft-tissue laser precision where appropriate, healing is quicker and more comfortable than most patients expect.
Functional crown lengthening is often the step that makes a porcelain crown possible at all — when a tooth is broken or decayed at or below the gumline, there isn't enough exposed structure for a crown to grip onto until the gum and bone are reshaped. We'll confirm which case applies to you with imaging before recommending anything.
- Saves teeth that would otherwise be extracted
- Transforms gummy smiles with natural proportions
- Laser precision for faster healing
- Often completed in a single visit
Good to know
OfficeAvailable at all 3 offices
InsuranceIn-network with the major PPOs. Medi-Cal Dental & IEHP also accepted. Details
FinancingCareCredit & Sunbit — payments that fit your budget
New patients$125 exam & X-rays without insurance
What to expect
Your visit, step by step.
Evaluation and digital smile planning
Comfortable, fully anesthetized procedure
Gum and bone contoured with precision
Healing check and next-step restoration if needed
FAQ
Crown Lengthening — your questions, answered.
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure itself is done under local anesthesia, so you shouldn't feel pain during it. Expect mild soreness for a few days afterward, managed well with over-the-counter medication.
How long is recovery?
Soft tissue settles within one to two weeks; complete maturation takes about three months before final restorations are placed.
Will it fix my gummy smile?
If excess gum tissue is covering well-proportioned teeth — which we can confirm with imaging — the transformation is often dramatic and permanent.
Why would I need crown lengthening before getting a crown?
If a tooth broke or decayed at or near the gumline, there may not be enough healthy structure above the gum for a crown to attach securely. Crown lengthening exposes that additional structure, so the tooth can be saved with a crown instead of extracted.
Is crown lengthening the same as gum contouring for cosmetic reasons?
The technique is similar, but the goal differs. Cosmetic crown lengthening rebalances a gummy smile by revealing more of already well-proportioned teeth; functional crown lengthening exposes tooth structure needed to support a restoration. We'll be clear about which applies to your case.
How many teeth can be treated at once?
It depends on the case — a single tooth being prepared for a crown, or several teeth across the smile line for a cosmetic gum reshaping. We'll map the extent of treatment at your consultation.
New to Anthem Dental?
What to expect before you book
If you have not been to one of our offices before, what happens at a first visit walks through the whole appointment step by step — what we look at, what it costs, and what we will never do without telling you first. Walk-ins are welcome at every office, though calling ahead means less waiting.
Crown Lengthening is performed in-house, so nothing here is referred out to a stranger across town. Meet the team who would be treating you, and read how the practice works if you want the fuller picture. We are in-network with the major PPO plans and also accept Medi-Cal Dental (Denti-Cal) and IEHP — see the full list and what it means for your bill.
Choose whichever office is easiest for you: all 3 are here, each with its own hours, parking and directions.
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Ask us about crown lengthening — no pressure, ever.
Comprehensive exam and full digital X-rays for new patients without insurance. New patients only. Dental emergencies welcome — we do our best to see you quickly.