Crown lengthening — for short teeth and teeth broken near the gum

Key facts

• Exposes more tooth by reshaping gum and sometimes bone
• Functional: saves teeth broken near the gum
• Aesthetic: corrects short teeth and excess gum
• Done under local anaesthetic; stitches out in about a week
• Final crown or veneer after the gum settles

What is crown lengthening?

Every tooth needs a healthy zone between the edge of a filling or crown and the supporting bone, so that the gum can attach in a stable, healthy way. When decay or a fracture extends below the gum, or when teeth are covered by too much gum, this zone is missing. Crown lengthening recreates it by reshaping the gum and, where necessary, a small amount of bone around the tooth. The result is more visible, sound tooth structure above the gum. This allows a restoration to be placed on healthy tooth or improves the proportions of short teeth, while respecting the biology of the gum.

Functional crown lengthening for broken teeth

Functional crown lengthening is used when a tooth is broken or decayed close to or below the gum line. Without it, a crown edge would have to sit too deep under the gum, which often leads to chronic inflammation, bleeding and bone loss, or the crown may not have enough tooth to grip and could come loose. By exposing more sound tooth, the dentist can create a secure ‘ferrule’ for the crown and a margin that can be cleaned. Before recommending it, the dentist checks that the tooth is worth saving, considering root length, bone support and whether a root canal is needed, and compares it with extraction and replacement.

Aesthetic crown lengthening for short teeth

Aesthetic crown lengthening improves teeth that look short or square because gum covers part of the enamel. It is often used for a gummy smile caused by excess gum, for an uneven gum line, or before veneers so the new restorations have ideal proportions. Unlike simple gum contouring, it also reshapes bone when the bone sits too close to the planned gum margin, which helps prevent the gum from growing back. Planning uses measurements, X-rays and smile photographs so that the length-to-width ratio of the front teeth looks natural. Healing is allowed to complete before any final veneers or crowns are made.

The procedure and recovery

Crown lengthening is carried out under local anaesthetic. The gum is gently opened or reshaped, any bone is recontoured, and the gum is stitched in its new position; treating one tooth or a small group usually takes about an hour. Mild soreness and swelling for a few days are common and managed with ordinary pain relief. You eat soft foods, avoid chewing on the area, and use the prescribed mouthwash. Stitches are usually removed after about a week. The gum needs time to settle — often around six to twelve weeks, longer for front teeth — before final crowns or veneers are made, so a temporary restoration may be used in the meantime.

Is it the right option for you?

Crown lengthening is not suitable for every tooth. If a fracture extends far down the root, if removing bone would weaken neighbouring teeth, or if the root is short, extraction and an implant or bridge may be more predictable. Alternatives such as orthodontic extrusion, where the tooth is gently pulled up, may also be considered. At Manhal Medical Center, Dr. Fariba Alnoory examines the tooth, takes X-rays, and explains the options honestly, including how crown lengthening would be arranged and coordinated with crown or veneer work by the restorative team. You receive a written plan before deciding.

Gum disease starts as gingivitis — red, bleeding gums — and can progress to periodontitis, where bone support is lost and teeth loosen. Early treatment stops the progression.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Fariba Alnoory

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.