PERFECT YOUR GUMMY SMILE IN LEAMINGTON SPA
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure carried out by our Specialist Periodontist, Dr Viren Vithlani, to reduce the amount of gum around the tooth.
It can be performed to address a "gummy smile," where too much of the gum is visible, or to lengthen the teeth if they appear too short.
Reduce excessive gum display when smiling
Create better tooth proportions
Improve aesthetics of your smile
Allow for proper restoration of damaged teeth
Create a more balanced smile in a single procedure
Treatment performed by Dr Viren Vithlani, Specialist Periodontist.
Advanced microsurgical techniques for precise results.
Quick recovery with minimal post-operative discomfort.
Dramatic transformation possible in just one procedure.
Long-lasting results that enhance your overall smile.
Request your Gummy smile appointment
What our Warwickshire patients say
Understanding crown lengthening
Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue, and in some cases a small amount of bone, to expose more of the tooth crown (the visible part of the tooth). This procedure serves both aesthetic and functional purposes:
When teeth appear too short or the gumline is uneven, crown lengthening can create a more balanced, harmonious smile. This is particularly beneficial for patients with a "gummy smile," where excess gum tissue displays when smiling.
Sometimes crown lengthening is necessary to expose more tooth structure for restorative purposes, such as when placing a crown on a tooth that has broken off near the gumline or has extensive decay below the gum level.
Comprehensive assessment
Dr Vithlani will examine your teeth, gums, and underlying bone structure to determine if crown lengthening is appropriate for your situation. This assessment may include X-rays or other imaging to evaluate the bone levels around your teeth.
Treatment planning
Based on your assessment, Dr Vithlani will develop a personalised treatment plan, explaining the procedure, expected results, and recovery process. This is the time to ask questions and ensure you understand all aspects of the proposed treatment.
Immediate aftercare
Using microsurgical techniques, Dr Vithlani will gently reshape the gum tissue and, if necessary, the underlying bone to create proper tooth proportions and a harmonious gumline.
The procedure is straightforward and is carried out under local anaesthetic by our extremely experienced and skilled surgeon.
Recovery
Your gums may feel a little tender and sore for a few days after but recovery is rapid and the results can be dramatic.
Most patients can return to normal activities within a day or two. We'll provide detailed aftercare instructions and may prescribe pain relievers or antibiotics depending on your specific case. Complete healing of the gums takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Immediate aesthetic improvement
For gummy smiles, the results are visible right away, even accounting for some initial swelling. As healing progresses, the final aesthetic results become increasingly apparent.
Enhanced smile proportions
Properly proportioned teeth contribute significantly to an attractive smile. Crown lengthening helps achieve the ideal ratio between tooth length and width, creating more pleasing aesthetics.
Improved oral hygiene access
By reducing deep gum pockets around teeth, crown lengthening can make it easier to clean around the gumline, potentially reducing the risk of periodontal disease.
Crown lengthening
How long does it take to recover from crown lengthening?
Most patients return to normal activities within 1-2 days. The gums typically heal completely in 4-6 weeks, though the final aesthetic results may continue to improve for up to three months as the tissues mature and settle.
Will crown lengthening make my teeth sensitive?
Some temporary sensitivity is normal as more of the tooth becomes exposed. This typically resolves as the tissues heal. If persistent sensitivity occurs, there are various treatments available to address it.
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic, so you won't feel pain during treatment. After the anaesthetic wears off, most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort that can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
Are the results of crown lengthening permanent?
Yes, the results are generally permanent. However, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups to ensure continued gum health, as changes in gum health could potentially affect the results over time.
Can crown lengthening be combined with other cosmetic dental procedures?
Will there be visible scars after crown lengthening?
No, the microsurgical techniques used by Dr Vithlani allow for minimal trauma to the tissues, and oral tissues heal remarkably well without visible scarring.
How much gum tissue will be removed?
The amount varies depending on your unique situation and aesthetic goals. Dr Vithlani carefully plans each procedure to create balanced, natural-looking proportions while maintaining healthy gum tissue around each tooth.
