Periodontal
Crown Lengthening in Washington,DC & Bethesda, MD
Sometimes, the key to a confident smile is simply uncovering more of what’s already there. Crown lengthening is a specialized dental procedure designed to expose more of a tooth’s surface by reshaping gum tissue and bone. Whether you’re preparing for a dental restoration or want to improve a “gummy” smile, our specialists at District Dental Surgery offer precise, patient-centered care to help you achieve a balanced, healthy look.
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 Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue—and sometimes the underlying bone—to expose more of the natural tooth. This treatment is often recommended for both restorative and cosmetic reasons.
If a tooth is broken or decayed below the gumline, crown lengthening creates the necessary space for a secure, long-lasting dental crown or filling. It’s also an effective solution for reducing the appearance of a “gummy smile,” revealing a more balanced and proportional look. By adjusting the gum and bone levels, crown lengthening not only improves aesthetics—it also supports better oral health and long-term dental stability.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
1
Evaluation & Planning
2
Surgical Procedure
3
Healing & Recovery
What to Expect During the Procedure:
What Happens During the Procedure? The procedure typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on how many teeth are involved. We gently remove excess gum tissue and underlying bone to reveal more of your tooth. The gums are then reshaped and sutured in place. Depending on your specific case, we will use dissolvable and/or removable sutures to support healing. We’ll let you know if a follow-up visit is needed to remove them.
Is the Procedure Painful? 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.
What is Expect After the Procedure:
What is the Recovery Like? 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.
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
Reasons for Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening may be recommended for various reasons, including:
- Restorative Needs – When a tooth is broken or has deep decay below the gum line, crown lengthening helps expose more of the tooth for proper restoration.
- Cosmetic Enhancement – Patients with excessive gum tissue or a “gummy smile” can benefit from crown lengthening to achieve a more balanced appearance.
- Better Oral Health – Reducing excessive gum tissue can lower the risk of periodontal disease by making oral hygiene easier.
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.
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District Dental Surgery Locations
Washington, DC
(Formerly Known as District Perio)
1828 L St NW Suite 860 Washington, DC 20036
