Sometimes the Secret to Saving a Tooth Starts With Your Gums
At Sarasota Periodontal Associates, our periodontal team provides crown lengthening to help improve the appearance of a “gummy smile,” expose healthy tooth structure for a dental crown, and support long-term oral health.
By carefully reshaping the gum tissue around affected teeth, crown lengthening creates a stronger foundation for restorative dentistry while helping your smile look more balanced and natural.
Whether you’re preparing for a dental restoration or looking to enhance your smile, our team is here to help. Schedule a consultation by calling our Sarasota office at 941-366-6161, our Venice office at 941-485-1133, or our Lakewood Ranch office at 941-907-7310 to learn whether crown lengthening is the right solution for your needs.
Why Patients Choose Sarasota Periodontal Associates
Choosing an experienced periodontal practice matters when your smile and oral health are involved.
Patients appreciate Sarasota Periodontal Associates because of our:
- Comprehensive periodontal care
- Modern diagnostic technology
- Comfortable treatment environment
- Collaborative approach with referring dentists
- Personalized treatment planning
- Convenient locations throughout the region
Whether you’re visiting after spending the afternoon at Siesta Key Beach, enjoying the shops at St. Armands Circle, or exploring Nathan Benderson Park, our locations make advanced periodontal care accessible throughout the Gulf Coast.
What is Crown Lengthening Surgery?
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that reshapes excess gum tissue—and in some cases, a small amount of the underlying bone—to expose more of a tooth’s natural structure. While the name may sound like it makes the tooth itself longer, the procedure actually reveals more of the existing tooth by adjusting the surrounding gumline.
Types of Crown Lengthening
Patients seek this treatment for distinct clinical or cosmetic reasons. Dr. Farris, Dr. Gonzalez, Dr. Sharma, Dr. Little, and Dr. Zegarra carefully evaluate your unique anatomy to align the procedure with your oral health goals.
1. Preparing for Restorative Dentistry (Functional Needs)
When a tooth is severely cracked, deeply decayed, or broken off near the gumline, your general family dentist faces structural challenges. A permanent dental crown needs a solid foundation of healthy tooth structure to bind to properly. By performing crown lengthening, our doctors lower the tissue line, exposing enough sound enamel for your family dentist to place a stable, long-lasting restoration.
2. Correcting a Gummy Smile (Aesthetic Needs)
An aesthetic imbalance occurs when an excessive amount of gum tissue shows when you smile. Your teeth may appear unusually short or square, even though they are perfectly normal in size beneath the surface. Aesthetic recontouring safely reduces the overgrowth, creating a symmetrical, confident smile line.
Who Can Benefit From Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening may be recommended for patients facing a variety of dental concerns. Following a comprehensive periodontal evaluation, we. will determine whether this procedure is the right solution for your smile.
You may benefit from crown lengthening if you:
- Have a tooth that is broken or decayed below the gum line
- Need additional tooth structure exposed before receiving a dental crown
- Have an older dental restoration that needs replacement
- Feel your teeth appear too short because of excess gum tissue
- Want to improve the appearance of a gummy smile
- Have uneven gum contours affecting smile symmetry
Many patients choose crown lengthening before restorative or cosmetic dental treatment because it creates a healthier, more stable foundation for long-lasting results.
How Does Crown Lengthening Work?
Crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure performed using local anesthesia for your comfort. Your provider carefully plans every treatment to preserve healthy tissue while exposing the tooth structure needed for your specific goals.
The procedure generally includes:
- Comprehensive Examination: Your gums, teeth, and supporting bone are evaluated using periodontal measurements and digital imaging.
- Local Anesthesia: The treatment area is numbed to help you remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Gum Tissue Reshaping: Excess gum tissue is gently repositioned to reveal more of the tooth.
- Bone Contouring (When Needed): If necessary, a small amount of bone is reshaped to provide proper support for future restorations.
- Precise Suturing: The gum tissue is repositioned and secured to promote healthy healing and attractive gum contours.
Aftercare and Maintenance Tips for Crown Lengthening Procedures
Healing after crown lengthening is generally straightforward when patients follow their post-operative instructions. Proper aftercare allows the gums to heal comfortably and helps create the best possible outcome for future dental restorations or cosmetic improvements.
Our periodontal providers may recommend:
- Eating soft foods during the first several days
- Avoiding chewing directly on the treated area
- Brushing gently around the surgical site
- Using any prescribed or recommended antimicrobial mouth rinse
- Taking medications as directed
- Avoiding tobacco products during healing
- Attending all scheduled follow-up appointments
Once healing is complete, maintaining excellent oral hygiene is essential. Regular brushing, flossing, professional cleanings, and periodontal evaluations help preserve your results and keep your gums healthy for years to come.
How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost Near You?
At Sarasota Periodontal Associates, we believe financial concerns should not prevent you from receiving the care your smile deserves. Before treatment begins, our team provides a personalized review of your dental insurance benefits and explains your expected coverage and out-of-pocket costs whenever applicable.
We also offer flexible payment options, including CareCredit, to help make periodontal treatment more manageable. Whether you visit our offices in Sarasota, Venice, or Lakewood Ranch, FL, our knowledgeable team is happy to answer your questions about insurance, financing, and payment options.