Crown Lengthening in Cave Creek, AZ: Gentle Gum Recontouring

Crown lengthening, sometimes called gum recontouring, adjusts the gum line, and occasionally a bit of the bone underneath, to reveal more of a tooth's natural surface. Patients ask about it for two main reasons. Some want a more balanced, less "gummy" smile line. Others need it because there isn't enough healthy tooth structure above the gum to support a new crown or veneer. Either way, this falls under the broader oral surgery and periodontal care we provide at Refined Smiles.

Dr. Kapers numbs the treatment area with local anesthetic first, so you stay comfortable throughout. If dental visits make you anxious, we also offer sedation dentistry options to help you relax. During crown lengthening surgery, gum tissue is carefully reshaped, and sometimes a small amount of bone as well, to expose more of the tooth. Most patients finish in one appointment and go home the same day.

Recovery & Aftercare

Mild swelling and tenderness are normal for the first few days. We'll send you home with clear aftercare instructions, including tips on eating soft foods, keeping the area clean, and managing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relief. Most people feel back to normal within a week, though the gum tissue keeps healing for a few weeks after that.

If your gums cover more of your teeth than you'd like, or a tooth needs more structure exposed before a crown can be placed, crown lengthening is worth discussing at your next visit. It's sometimes recommended alongside other care, such as periodontal care for patients working on gum health, or in place of a more involved option like tooth extractions when a tooth can be saved instead of removed. Dr. Kapers will look at your smile, your goals, and your dental history to help you decide if periodontal crown lengthening makes sense for you.