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Professional Crown Lengthening in Houston, TX

Crown lengthening is a minimally invasive periodontal procedure that reshapes the gumline to expose more of your natural tooth. It’s commonly used to correct a gummy smile, prepare a tooth that’s too short for a crown or filling, or uncover decay hidden below the gums. At Dr. Friedberg & Associates in Houston, we use the latest techniques and technology to deliver precise, comfortable care with faster recovery than traditional methods. Whether you’re preparing for a dental restoration or enhancing your smile, our team ensures exceptional outcomes and thorough guidance from consultation to healing. Learn more about how crown lengthening supports restorative dentistry from the American Academy of Periodontology.

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    Signs You Might Need Crown Lengthening

    • Your smile shows too much gum tissue, or looks “gummy.”
    • A tooth is too short or broken below the gumline to support a crown or filling.
    • Decay extends beneath the gum tissue, making it hard to treat and restore properly.
    • You’re preparing for a dental restoration and need more visible tooth structure.

    Crown lengthening reshapes the gum and, when needed, a small amount of underlying bone to expose more of the natural tooth—improving both function and appearance.

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    How Crown Lengthening Works

    The procedure is typically completed in a single visit under local anesthesia:

    1. Evaluation. Dr. Friedberg examines the tooth and surrounding gum and bone to determine how much tissue needs to be reshaped.
    2. Reshaping the gum. Excess gum tissue is carefully removed or repositioned to expose more of the tooth's surface.
    3. Adjusting the bone, if needed. In some cases, a small amount of underlying bone is also reshaped to ensure the new gumline stays stable and healthy.
    4. Closing and healing. The gum tissue is sutured into its new position, and the area is left to heal before any restorative work (like a crown) proceeds.

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    Periodontist performing crown lengthening surgery on a patient in Houston

    Recovery & What to Expect

    Most patients experience mild soreness and swelling for a few days after crown lengthening—comparable to a routine gum procedure, and manageable with over-the-counter pain relief. Dr. Friedberg may recommend a soft-food diet and a gentle rinse for the first several days while the gum heals.

    If a crown or restoration is planned, we typically wait 6 to 8 weeks after the procedure to allow the gum tissue to fully stabilize before moving forward, ensuring a precise, long-lasting fit.