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 a Crown Lengthening Procedure?
A Complete Periodontal Recovery Diet Guide:
Eating the right foods post-operatively is just as important as the procedure itself, because what you eat after surgery plays a big role in how well and how quickly you heal. After surgery, your tissue is delicate and actively healing. The wrong foods can cause irritation, introduce bacteria, or physically disrupt the surgical site. Following a structured diet helps reduce discomfort, prevent complications, and support the best possible outcome.
For a complete list of recommended foods and everything to avoid during recovery, click to download our detailed diet guide.
Day 1
Immediately After Surgery/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 2-3
Days 2-3 After Surgery:
Stick to soft, cool, and non-irritating foods.
- Ice cream and sorbet (no nuts or chewy mix-ins)
- Smoothies (no seeds or chunks)
- Applesauce
- Mashed potatoes
- Scrambled eggs
- Yogurt (plain or smooth, no granola or fruit chunks)
- Oatmeal
- Protein shakes
- Broths and blended soups (lukewarm or cold)
- Pudding and custards
- Gelatin (Jell-O)
Tip: If you can, use the opposite side of your mouth when eating. Use a spoon instead of a straw to avoid suction pressure.
Days 4-7
Days 4-7 After Surgery:
You may begin to slowly incorporate more variety, but keep the foods soft.
- Soft pasta, such as mac and cheese or buttered noodles
- Cooked, soft vegetables (steamed carrots, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes)
- Soft fruits (bananas, canned fruits, avocado)
- Tender cooked meats (ground turkey/beef/chicken, shredded chicken)
- Tofu
- Beans and lentils
- Soft fish (white fish and salmon)
- Pancakes and soft waffles
- Cottage cheese and soft cheeses
Week 1-4
1-4 Weeks After Surgery
As healing progresses, you can slowly return to a more normal diet, while continuing to be cautious and still avoiding anything too hard or sharp.
- Most cooked vegetables and fruits
- Soft grains, pasta, and rice
- Lean meats and poultry
- Soft sandwiches (no crust or toasted bread)
- Turkey, egg salad, tuna
- Muffins or banana bread
- Soft tortillas
Foods to Avoid Until Fully Healed
What to AVOID Until Fully Healed:
- Crunchy, Sharp, or Pointy Foods: Chips, Pretzels, Popcorn, Crackers, Granola, Nuts (almonds, peanuts, walnuts)
- Foods with Seeds or Small Grains: Chia, sesame, poppy seeds, Quinoa, Seeded breads, Berries with small seeds (strawberries, raspberries)
- Sticky Foods: Caramels, Taffy, Gummy candy, Fruit snacks
- Tough & Chewy Foods: Steak, Beef jerky, Chewy protein bars, Dried fruit (raisins, mango, apricots)
- Hard or Crusty Breads: Baguettes, Bagels, Toasted bread
- Raw, Hard, or Fibrous Foods: Raw vegetables (carrots, celery, broccoli), Hard fruits (apples, pears)
- Spicy Foods: Hot sauce, Chili, Spicy curries
- Acidic Foods & Drinks: Citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit), Tomato-based sauces, Vinegar and vinaigrettes
- Hot Foods & Drinks: Hot coffee or tea, Hot Soups
- Habits to Avoid:
- Drinking through a straw
- Chewing on the surgical side
- Smoking
- Alcohol
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 vs Functional Crown Lengthening
DIFFERENCES & SIMILARITIES EXPLAINED
These two procedures sound almost identical, and the surgical steps are actually very similar. But the reason we perform them is completely different.
Functional Crown Lengthening
This is typically recommended when a tooth needs a crown, but there isn’t enough visible tooth structure for your general dentist to properly restore it. During the procedure, we remove excess gum tissue and carefully reshape the supporting bone to create the space needed for a strong, long-lasting restoration. After a short healing period, you return to your general dentist to complete the crown.
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
This procedure is done for cosmetic reasons. The teeth are healthy, but they may appear short or hidden under excess gum tissue, creating a “gummy” smile. We reshape the gum tissue and bone so that more of your natural tooth structure is visible, creating better proportions and a more balanced smile.
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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