You’ve practiced your smile in the mirror enough times to know exactly what bothers you. Maybe your teeth look smaller than they should, or your gum line zigzags where it should flow smoothly. Perhaps you avoid showing your teeth in photos because your gums seem to steal the spotlight. These concerns aren’t vanity; they’re about feeling comfortable in your own skin and presenting yourself the way you want to be seen.
At Dental Associates of Jersey City, we help patients understand which gum procedure can actually solve their specific concerns. Dr. Andriy Yuzvyak and Dr. Akshay Parmar evaluate not just what you see on the surface, but what’s happening with your bone structure and tissue underneath. That examination determines whether you need crown lengthening, a simple contouring procedure, or something else entirely.
What Crown Lengthening Accomplishes
Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue and, when necessary, small amounts of bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. Dentists originally developed this procedure to prepare teeth for restorations, such as crowns or fillings, but it has become more and more popular for cosmetic purposes.
The procedure corrects what many people call a “gummy smile,” where your gums cover too much of your teeth. A gum display of one to two millimeters is considered normal, but when three or more millimeters show during your smile, crown lengthening may help achieve better proportions. You might have perfectly healthy teeth underneath, but the tissue overgrowth makes them look unusually short or creates an uneven gum line. Crown lengthening can also help when teeth appear to be of different lengths due to irregular gum tissue, rather than actual variations in tooth size.
Comparing Other Cosmetic Gum Procedures
Several alternatives to crown lengthening can improve your gum appearance, each suited to different situations.
Gum Contouring
Gum contouring, also known as gingivectomy, removes only the soft tissue without affecting the underlying bone. This less invasive option works well when your teeth have adequate structure exposed and you simply need to reshape the gum line for better symmetry.
Gum Grafting
Some patients may benefit from gum grafting instead, particularly those whose gums have receded and exposed too much of their tooth or root surface. This procedure adds tissue rather than removing it, protecting sensitive areas and creating a more uniform appearance. The cosmetic periodontal surgery options we offer address both excess tissue and recession problems.
Laser Gum Reshaping
Laser gum reshaping has become another popular choice. Using focused light energy, dentists can precisely sculpt gum tissue with minimal bleeding and faster healing times compared to traditional methods. However, laser treatment still works only on soft tissue and cannot address bone structure issues.
Determining the Right Procedure for Your Situation
Your ideal treatment depends on what lies beneath your gums. Crown lengthening becomes necessary when the bone is too high on your teeth, limiting the amount of tissue that can be safely removed. A thorough examination, often including X-rays, reveals whether bone removal is needed to achieve your desired results.
Consider crown lengthening if you have teeth that look short or stubby despite being healthy, an uneven gum line caused by excess tissue and bone, insufficient tooth structure exposed for a needed restoration, or a gummy smile where gums cover more than three millimeters of your teeth when you smile.
Simpler gum contouring might suffice if you only need minor reshaping for symmetry, have adequate tooth structure already visible, want to correct minor irregularities in your gum line, or prefer the quickest recovery time possible. Our periodontic services include comprehensive evaluations to determine the approach that best suits your needs.
What to Expect During Crown Lengthening Treatment
Crown lengthening typically requires local anesthesia and takes one to two hours, depending on the number of teeth that need treatment. Your dentist carefully removes excess gum tissue and reshapes any necessary bone before suturing the area. You may experience some swelling and discomfort for several days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses.
You’ll need to eat soft foods initially, avoid disturbing the surgical site, and keep the area clean with gentle rinses. Most patients return to normal activities within a few days; however, strenuous exercise should be avoided for about a week.
Creating Your Ideal Smile at Dental Associates of Jersey City
Choosing between crown lengthening and other gum procedures requires professional evaluation of your unique situation. Dr. Andriy Yuzvyak and Dr. Akshay Parmar bring extensive training in prosthodontics and surgical procedures to every case, utilizing advanced digital technology to plan precise and predictable results.
Our team at Dental Associates of Jersey City helps Jersey City patients understand all their options and select the treatment path that best serves their oral health and aesthetic goals. We invite you to schedule a consultation to discuss which cosmetic gum procedure can give you the confident, balanced smile you’ve always dreamed of.
