General & Preventive Dentistry

Crown Lengthening in Farmington, UT

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes a small amount of bone, to expose more of a tooth's natural structure. In Farmington, UT, patients typically need it before getting a new crown on a tooth that has broken down near the gumline, or because they want to correct a smile that shows more gum than tooth. Oakridge Dental accepts a broad range of PPO insurance plans and offers evening hours on Monday and Wednesday, making it easier to fit a consult into a full schedule.

Call to Book a Consult

Benefits

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening does more than make room for a restoration. It can also:

Give a new crown or filling a stronger, more stable surface to bond to

Make it easier to brush and floss around a tooth that previously had decay hidden near the gumline

Even out a gummy smile so teeth look longer and more proportional

Treatment

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a procedure where a dentist trims back gum tissue, and occasionally a thin layer of bone, around one or more teeth. The goal is simple: give the tooth more room to work with. This extra tooth structure matters when a dental crown needs a solid surface to grip, or when a tooth has broken or decayed close to the gumline.

The procedure can also be done purely for appearance. Some people feel their gums cover too much of their teeth when they smile. Reshaping the gumline can create a more balanced, proportional look.

Most crown lengthening is done with local anesthesia, so patients stay comfortable and awake during the visit.

Candidacy

Who Needs Crown Lengthening

Not every patient needs this treatment, but a dentist may recommend it if:

A tooth has broken or decayed below the gumline, leaving too little structure for a crown to attach to
Gum disease has caused uneven or excess gum tissue that needs reshaping as part of ongoing periodontal care
A patient wants a more balanced smile and is a candidate for cosmetic gum shaping alongside crown lengthening
Routine cleanings and exams reveal a cavity or old filling that extends too close to the gumline to treat safely without first adjusting the tissue
If you are not sure which situation applies to you, a visit with our general and preventive dentistry team is a good place to start.

The Visit

What to Expect During Treatment

During the appointment, the dentist numbs the area with local anesthesia. Gum tissue, and sometimes a small amount of bone, is carefully reshaped to expose more of the tooth. The area is then cleaned and, in most cases, sutures are placed to help the gums heal in their new shape.

Afterward, patients usually go home the same day with instructions on caring for the area, including a soft-food diet for a short time and tips for keeping the site clean while it heals. Follow-up appointments let the dentist check healing progress before moving forward with a crown or other restoration.

Don't Wait

What Happens If You Delay Crown Lengthening

Putting off crown lengthening when it's needed can create problems down the road. A crown placed on a tooth without enough exposed structure may not seal well, which raises the risk of decay sneaking back in underneath it. Gum tissue that stays uneven or overgrown can also be harder to keep clean, which may lead to irritation or gum disease over time. Addressing it early, before the crown goes on, generally leads to a longer-lasting result.

Call to Book a Consult

Frequently Asked Questions

Is crown lengthening painful?

Most patients feel little to no pain during the procedure itself, since the area is numbed with local anesthesia beforehand. Some soreness and mild swelling are common for a few days afterward, similar to recovery from other minor gum procedures. Over-the-counter pain relief is usually enough to stay comfortable.

How long is recovery?

Initial healing typically takes about one to two weeks, though the gum tissue continues to settle into its final shape for a few months. Most patients return to normal eating and daily routines within a few days. Your dentist will let you know when it's safe to move forward with a permanent crown or restoration.

Will insurance cover crown lengthening?

Coverage depends on the reason for treatment and your specific plan. When crown lengthening is medically necessary, such as preparing a tooth for a restoration, many PPO plans provide at least partial coverage. Oakridge Dental accepts a broad range of PPO insurance plans, and our team can help you understand your benefits before treatment begins.