Gum & Crown Health
Crown Lengthening in Mequon, Wisconsin
Gentle treatment to reveal more healthy tooth structure.
Crown lengthening is a precise gum-reshaping procedure that brings more of your natural tooth into view above the gumline. In Mequon, Wisconsin, we balance comfort, function, and appearance so your smile looks natural and your dental work lasts. Whether you need room for a new crown or want to soften a “gummy” smile, our team will guide you the whole way.
Mequon Dental Arts & Implants • Serving Mequon Since 1999
Crown Lengthening for a Healthier Smile
Crown lengthening gently adjusts the gum and the tissue beneath it so more of your tooth shows. In Mequon, Wisconsin, we plan the procedure carefully to improve both the health and the look of your smile while keeping you as comfortable as we can.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
The dentist reshapes the gumline — and sometimes a sliver of bone — around one tooth or several. That exposes enough tooth for a crown or filling to grip securely, or it can be done across the front teeth to balance a gummy smile. Either way, you end up with a healthier, easier-to-clean area and a more proportional look.
When Crown Lengthening May Be Recommended
This one procedure solves several common problems and helps safeguard your long-term oral health.
- Broken or decayed teeth near the gumline Opens up room to seat a strong, well-fitting crown or filling.
- Gummy or uneven smile Gently trims excess gum tissue to show more tooth and even out the gumline.
- Deep dental crowns or restorations Makes sure a crown’s edge lands on solid tooth, not fragile root or gum tissue.
- Improved gum health Clears out hard-to-clean spots where plaque and bacteria like to gather along the gumline.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your visit starts with a thorough exam, digital imaging, and a chat about your goals. On treatment day, we fully numb the area and carefully reshape the gum and supporting tissue. Most appointments run about an hour depending on the number of teeth, and you head home the same day with detailed instructions.
- Precise planning with digital X-rays and imaging
- Comfortable local anesthesia to numb the treatment area
- Gentle techniques that protect the surrounding teeth and tissue
- Close follow-ups to track healing and prepare your final crown or restoration
Healing, Results, and Next Steps
A few days of soreness and swelling are normal after crown lengthening, and most patients get back to their routine before long. As the gums settle over the coming weeks, the final shape of your gumline takes form, and your new crown or cosmetic treatment can be finished.
- Comfort-focused recovery We go over home care, soothing rinses, and suitable pain relief.
- Long-lasting restorations Proper tooth exposure helps your new crown or filling fit securely and last.
- Confident smile A more balanced gumline can make teeth look longer, more even, and more youthful.
If you have a broken tooth near the gumline or a gummy smile on your mind, we’d be happy to help. Book online to schedule a crown lengthening consultation and find out whether this treatment is right for you.
The short answer
Crown lengthening is a gum procedure in which the dentist reshapes the gumline, and sometimes a small amount of the bone beneath it, so that more of a tooth shows above the gum. After a thorough exam and digital imaging, the area is fully numbed with local anesthesia and the gum and supporting tissue are carefully reshaped around one tooth or several, usually in a visit of about an hour. It gives a crown or filling enough sound tooth to hold onto when a tooth is broken or decayed near the gumline, and it can balance a gummy or uneven smile.
Crown Lengthening: Frequently Asked Questions
- Why would I need crown lengthening?
- You may need crown lengthening when too little tooth shows above the gumline to hold a crown or filling, or when extra gum tissue gives you a gummy or uneven smile. Exposing more of the natural tooth lets your dentist restore it securely, so the edge of a crown lands on solid tooth rather than fragile root or gum tissue. It can also clear hard-to-clean spots along the gumline where plaque and bacteria tend to gather.
- Is crown lengthening painful?
- Crown lengthening should not be painful during treatment, because the area is fully numbed with local anesthesia first and you should feel pressure rather than pain. Mild soreness or sensitivity afterward is common. It is usually easy to manage with recommended pain relievers, soothing rinses and careful home care.
- How long does it take to heal after crown lengthening?
- Early healing after crown lengthening generally takes a week or two, and the gums keep tightening and settling over several weeks. A few days of soreness and swelling are normal, and most patients feel much better within a few days. Your dentist will let you know when the tissue is fully healed and ready for your final crown or cosmetic work.
- Will crown lengthening change the way my smile looks?
- Crown lengthening can change how your smile looks, depending on which teeth are treated. Done for function on a single back tooth, the change is unlikely to be noticeable. Done on the front teeth to correct a gummy smile or uneven gumline, it can make your teeth look longer, more even and better proportioned.
- Are there any special instructions after the procedure?
- Yes, you will receive written guidance on eating, brushing, flossing and any prescribed rinses after crown lengthening. Soft foods and gentle cleaning around the site help the area settle. Avoiding smoking and alcohol during early healing also cuts down on irritation and supports recovery.
- Is crown lengthening safe?
- Crown lengthening is a common, well-established procedure with a low rate of complications. As with any surgery there are small risks, such as temporary sensitivity or swelling. Careful planning with digital X-rays and imaging, gentle technique and good home care all help keep complications rare.
- How much does crown lengthening cost?
- The cost of crown lengthening depends on how many teeth are treated and whether it is done for function or for appearance. Fees are reviewed with you before treatment, along with any insurance benefits that may apply. The team can also go over payment options and third-party financing that may suit your budget.
- Will my insurance cover crown lengthening?
- When crown lengthening is needed to restore a tooth with a crown or filling, many plans provide partial coverage, while cosmetic gum reshaping may not be covered. Benefits vary from plan to plan, so the team can review your specific coverage and give you an estimate first. The office is in network with Delta Dental and works with many other dental plans.
- How do I know if I am a candidate?
- The surest way to find out whether you are a candidate is an exam. Your dentist will evaluate your teeth, gums and bite and talk through your goals. From there, you will get a recommendation on whether crown lengthening or another treatment suits your situation.
“Amazing Team and Experience”
I had a great experience at Mequon Dental Arts. Everyone was kind, professional, and made me feel comfortable from the moment I arrived. My appointment was efficient, and the dentist took the time to answer my questions and explain my care clearly.
“Super Professional and Caring”
I’m so glad I found Mequon Dental Arts. The entire team was welcoming, honest, and professional, and they made sure I felt comfortable throughout my visit. The care was gentle, and everything was explained clearly.