Crown Lengthening in Riverview
When a tooth breaks near the gumline, or a smile looks "gummy" even though the teeth underneath are perfectly healthy, the issue often isn't the tooth at all — it's how much of that tooth the gum and bone are covering. Crown lengthening is the procedure that solves this. By carefully reshaping a small amount of gum tissue (and sometimes a bit of underlying bone), we expose more of the natural tooth structure so a crown can be placed securely, a filling can seal properly, or a smile can look balanced instead of gum-heavy. For our Riverview patients, it's a straightforward in-office procedure that often makes the difference between saving a tooth and losing it.
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure performed around a single tooth or across several teeth in the smile zone. Think of each tooth as sitting in a collar of gum and bone. When decay, a fracture, or old dental work extends below that collar, there isn't enough healthy tooth above the gumline for a crown to grip. Trying to place a restoration anyway tends to lead to a poor seal, irritated tissue, and repeat problems. Adjusting the gum and bone level creates the clean, stable margin a lasting restoration needs.
There is also a cosmetic side. Some people have teeth that are perfectly normal in size but appear short because the gums sit low over them. Reshaping that tissue reveals the full height of the tooth, which can make a noticeable difference before porcelain veneers, composite bonding, or whitening. Because we handle both restorative and cosmetic dentistry here, we can plan crown lengthening as one step in a larger treatment sequence rather than treating it as an isolated procedure.
Riverview residents are part of the same community we serve from our office at 22500 Allen Rd. in Woodhaven, and many of our Riverview families have been with us across generations — kids, parents, and grandparents seen under one roof. That matters for a procedure like this, because crown lengthening is rarely the only thing happening. It's usually tied to a crown, a root canal, an extraction decision, or a cosmetic plan, and coordinating all of it in one familiar place saves Riverview patients the back-and-forth of outside referrals.
Our team includes five doctors — general dentists, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial pathologist, and a board-certified orthodontist — and we see patients of all ages, including children and patients with special healthcare needs. We also offer emergency appointments, which matters when a tooth fractures at the gumline unexpectedly. Se habla español.
Who Is a Candidate, and What the Benefits Are
Crown lengthening may be recommended if a tooth has broken off near the gum, if decay extends under the gumline, if a previous crown keeps failing because there isn't enough tooth to hold it, or if you've been told your smile shows too much gum. During a complimentary consultation, we examine the tooth, take the X-rays needed to see bone levels, and tell you honestly whether crown lengthening will help or whether another approach — such as extraction and a dental implant — makes more sense.
- Creates enough healthy tooth structure to support a crown or filling that seals properly
- Helps save a tooth that might otherwise need to be removed
- Improves the balance of a "gummy" smile before veneers or bonding
- Makes it easier to keep the area clean, supporting long-term gum health
- Can be planned alongside gum contouring, root canal therapy, or restorative work
The Procedure and Your Recovery
The area is thoroughly numbed first. Nitrous oxide sedation and IV sedation are available for patients who feel anxious, and our comfort menu — blankets, warm towels, neck pillows, headphones, Netflix, and refreshments — is there for the asking. We then reshape the gum tissue, and when needed, a small amount of bone, to expose the right amount of tooth. Sutures may be placed. Most appointments are completed in a single visit.
Afterward, expect some tenderness and swelling for a few days, managed with over-the-counter pain relief, cold compresses, and soft foods. You'll rinse gently, avoid brushing directly over the site until it begins healing, and return so we can check the tissue. Once healing has progressed enough, we move forward with your crown or cosmetic work — and because we have an in-house dental lab, crowns and other restorations are made and adjusted right here.
Paying for Treatment
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and provide a complimentary benefits check so you know your coverage before you commit. Self-pay patients are welcome, and we take cash, checks, Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. CareCredit financing is available for patients who prefer to spread payments out.
If you don't have insurance, our in-house membership plan is $199 a year for adults and $99 for patients 17 and under — no deductibles, no annual maximum, no waiting period, and no pre-authorizations. It covers exams, X-rays, two cleanings, and two fluoride treatments at 100%, with 20% to 50% off other treatment. Call us to schedule your consultation.