Are you self-conscious about your “gummy smile” or frustrated by teeth that appear too short? Do you wish you could reveal more of your natural teeth for a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile? Crown lengthening at Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side may be the solution you’ve been seeking. This transformative procedure can dramatically enhance your smile by creating a more harmonious proportion between your teeth and gums.
Our experienced periodontists focus on prevention and conservative treatments that maintain your natural dental structures while achieving exceptional aesthetic results.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a specialized dental procedure that reshapes excess gum tissue and, when necessary, the underlying bone to expose more of your natural tooth structure. The term “crown” refers to the visible portion of your tooth above the gumline – not to be confused with a dental restoration crown.
This versatile procedure serves both cosmetic and functional purposes:
- Cosmetic Crown Lengthening: Corrects a “gummy smile” by removing excess gum tissue to create a more balanced proportion between teeth and gums.
- Functional Crown Lengthening: Exposes more tooth structure to support restorative treatments like crowns, bridges, or veneers when a tooth is broken, decayed, or has insufficient visible structure.
At Dental West NYC, our approach to crown lengthening combines artistic vision with technical precision to deliver results that look completely natural while improving your oral health.
When Is Crown Lengthening Recommended?
You may benefit from crown lengthening if you experience:
- A “gummy smile” where excessive gum tissue makes your teeth appear unusually short
- Uneven gumline that creates an asymmetrical smile
- Teeth that need restorations but lack sufficient exposed structure
- Tooth decay or fractures below the gumline
- Recurring issues with existing dental crowns due to insufficient tooth exposure
During your comprehensive consultation, Dr. Leora Walter or Dr. Michelle Kamel will evaluate your unique situation to determine if crown lengthening is the right solution for your specific needs.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure at Dental West NYC
At Dental West NYC, your comfort and satisfaction are our priorities throughout your crown lengthening procedure. Here’s what you can expect:
Before the Procedure
We’ll conduct a thorough examination, which may include digital x-rays to evaluate your teeth and bone structure. We take x-rays only when necessary – typically every 2-2.5 years rather than annually – and we’re happy to use your existing x-rays if you can provide them.
For cosmetic crown lengthening, we’ll discuss your aesthetic goals and develop a treatment plan to achieve your ideal smile. We may use digital imaging to show you the anticipated results, helping you visualize how your new smile will look.
During the Procedure
Your crown lengthening procedure at our Upper West Side office typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on how many teeth are being treated:
- We’ll administer a local anesthetic to ensure your complete comfort throughout the procedure.
- Using precision instruments or our advanced laser technology, Dr. Walter or Dr. Kamel will carefully reshape your gum tissue to expose more of your natural tooth structure.
- In some cases, we may need to remove or reshape a small amount of bone around the teeth to achieve optimal results and ensure stability of the new gumline.
- Once the ideal tooth exposure is achieved, the gum tissue is repositioned and secured with small sutures that typically dissolve on their own.
Our patients are often surprised by how comfortable and efficient the procedure is, with minimal disruption to their daily activities.
After the Procedure
Following your crown lengthening, we’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure optimal healing:
- Temporary diet modifications to soft foods
- Gentle oral hygiene practices around the treated area
- Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed (most patients experience only mild discomfort)
- Antimicrobial mouth rinses if prescribed
Most patients can return to their normal activities within a day or two, though complete healing may take 1-2 weeks. For cases involving functional crown lengthening, we’ll coordinate with your restorative dentist to ensure proper timing for any subsequent dental work.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening at Dental West NYC
When performed by our experienced dental team, crown lengthening offers numerous benefits:
Aesthetic Benefits
- Creates a more balanced proportion between teeth and gums
- Reveals more of your natural tooth structure for a fuller smile
- Corrects uneven gumlines for improved smile symmetry
- Enhances the overall appearance of your smile
- Boosts confidence in your appearance
Functional Benefits
- Provides adequate tooth structure for restorative procedures
- Improves access for effective oral hygiene
- Reduces risk of decay and gum disease around restorations
- Creates a more stable foundation for dental crowns and veneers
- Prevents recurring issues with ill-fitting restorations
The results of crown lengthening are typically permanent, with the reshaped gumline maintaining its new contour indefinitely with proper oral hygiene.
Advanced Technology for Superior Results
At Dental West NYC, we utilize state-of-the-art technology for our crown lengthening procedures, including advanced laser techniques when appropriate. Laser crown lengthening offers several advantages over traditional methods:
- Minimal bleeding during the procedure
- Reduced discomfort and swelling
- Faster healing times
- Immediate sterilization of the treatment area
- Greater precision in reshaping gum tissue
Dr. Walter and Dr. Kamel are highly trained in both traditional and laser-assisted crown lengthening techniques, ensuring you receive the most appropriate treatment for your specific condition and goals.
Why Choose Dental West NYC for Your Crown Lengthening
Our practice philosophy centers on minimally invasive, preventive dentistry using the most advanced technology. Our team includes Dr. Leora Walter, a surgically trained prosthodontist, and Dr. Michelle Kamel, who graduated with honors in Periodontics from New York University College of Dentistry and received extensive post-doctorate training in Periodontics & Implant Dentistry.
We take pride in our patient-centered approach, taking time to thoroughly explain your condition and treatment options. Our goal is to help you maintain your natural teeth for a lifetime while achieving the beautiful smile you desire.
Book Your Consultation Today
Whether you’re seeking to enhance your smile’s appearance or need functional crown lengthening to support restorative treatments, Dental West NYC offers the expertise and technology to achieve outstanding results. Contact us today at (212) 580-4520 or book your appointment online to schedule a consultation. We offer free fluoride treatments during cleanings and use our advanced technology to provide you with the best possible care.
Dr. Leora Walter is a surgically trained prosthodontist and an elite dentists, with an expertise in cosmetic procedures at Dental West NYC on Manhattan’s Upper West Side.
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