Periodontal
Crown Lengthening in Washington,DC & Bethesda, MD
Functional crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that exposes more of a tooth so it can be properly restored and function comfortably long term. Unlike cosmetic crown lengthening, which focuses on appearance, functional crown lengthening is performed to allow your general dentist to place a crown, filling, or bridge correctly and safely.
This procedure is often necessary when a tooth is broken, decayed, or fractured below the gumline, leaving too little visible tooth structure to restore.
Learn how crown lengthening can enhance both function and aesthetics—and why patients throughout Washington, DC, Bethesda, MD, and the surrounding areas trust us with their periodontal care.
What is Functional Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening involves removing or reshaping the gum tissue and the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth structure. This creates a strong foundation for long-lasting restorative work.
Patients are often referred for functional crown lengthening when:
- There isn’t enough tooth structure above the gums to support a crown or filling
- A tooth has broken near the gum line
- Decay or damage extends below the gumline
- Your dentist needs clearer access to complete treatment safely
- A restoration keeps falling off because it can’t “grip” the tooth
Functional Crown Lengthening Procedure & Recovery:
What Can I Eat After the Procedure?
Eating the right foods post-operatively is just as important as the procedure itself. To help you heal properly and keep you comfortable, stick to soft, gentle foods that don’t require much chewing, especially in the first few days.
Day 1
Day 1: Keep It Cold and Soft. Right after surgery, your mouth will be tender, and cold foods can help soothe the area and reduce swelling. Stick to things like:
- Smoothies (no straws)
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Milkshakes
- Drink plenty of ice water!
Days 2-14
Days 2–14: Soft, Room Temperature Foods.
As healing progresses, you can slowly add in more soft foods that don’t require much chewing. Think:
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Oatmeal
- Cooked pasta
- Cooked, soft vegetables (squash, zucchini, potatoes)
- Soft fruits (bananas, canned fruits, avocado)
- Tender cooked meats (shredded chicken, ground turkey, ground beef)
- Soft fish (white fish or salmon)
- Pancakes
- Cottage cheese or soft cheeses
Rule of thumb: If you can smash it with a fork, you can eat it. Steamed carrot? Yes. Raw carrot? Not yet.
Foods to Avoid
Foods to Avoid
To prevent irritation or damage to the graft site, avoid:
- Crunchy foods (chips, nuts, raw veggies)
- Seeds or small grains (chia, quinoa, sesame seeds, poppy seeds)
- Hard bread or crusty rolls
- Spicy or acidic foods
- Hot foods and drinks for the first couple of days
- Sticky foods (caramels, gummy candy, chewing gum)
- Anything that requires a lot of chewing
NO:
- Straws
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Chewing on the surgical side
Benefits of Functional Crown Lengthening:
- Saves a tooth that would otherwise need to be extracted
- Creates the ideal conditions for strong, long-lasting crowns or fillings
- Improves access for cleaning and reduces the risk of future decay
- Helps prevent restorations from loosening or failing
Is Functional Crown Lengthening Right for You?
If your dentist has told you there isn’t enough tooth structure to place a crown, or if you’ve been referred to a periodontist before restorative treatment, functional crown lengthening may be the solution.
Our team is happy to evaluate your case, explain your options, and coordinate closely with your general dentist to achieve the best possible outcome.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening For Gummy Smile
Do you feel like your smile shows too much gum or that your teeth look small?If so, aesthetic crown lengthening might be the perfect solution for you. It’s a periodontal procedure that reshapes excess gum tissue and the underlying bone to expose more of your natural tooth structure. It’s used to treat a “gummy smile” and create a more balanced tooth-to-gum ratio. Aesthetic crown lengthening is a simple and effective way to balance your smile and boost your confidence.
FAQs About Crown Lengthening
You’ll see results immediately! The final gum contour will settle in over several weeks as the tissue heals.
Not at all, your comfort is our priority. It’s performed under local anesthesia, which means the treatment area will be completely numb. You won’t feel pain during the procedure, and most patients report little to no discomfort throughout. For added comfort, we also offer laughing gas (nitrous oxide) and Xanax if you’re feeling anxious or prefer a more relaxed experience.
After the procedure, you can expect some mild swelling or tenderness in the treated area for a few days. This is completely normal and can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers or any medications we prescribe. We also recommend eating cold foods (ice cream, smoothies) for the first 1-2 days, as it will soothe the area and reduce swelling. We’ll provide you with detailed post-op instructions to help you heal comfortably.
Our Transformative Results
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
All-On-X Dental Implants
Testimonials
What Patients Are Saying
District Dental Surgery Locations
Washington, DC
(Formerly Known as District Perio)
1828 L St NW Suite 860 Washington, DC 20036
