CROWN LENGTHENING

in san diego, ca

San Diego COUNTY Dentists Who Are Friendly and Knowledgeable

When a smile looks uneven or "gummy" crown lengthening can help improve the appearance of your teeth so that you can smile with confidence!


Do your teeth look too short or feel hidden by excess gum tissue? Or maybe your dentist told you there’s not enough visible tooth structure to place a crown or filling? If so, crown lengthening could be the solution you need.



At A+ Family Dentistry, with locations in San Diego, Poway, and Sorrento Valley, we provide expert crown lengthening to improve your smile’s appearance and support your dental health—whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or restorative needs.

What Is Dental Crown Lengthening?

Dental crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue—and sometimes a small amount of bone—to expose more of your natural tooth. This can:

Improve smile symmetry

Enables proper placement of crowns or fillings

Enhance the aesthetics of your smile

It’s a simple, effective treatment that brings both cosmetic and functional benefits.

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IMPROVE THE APPEARANCE OF A GUMMY SMILE

CROWN LENGTHENING FOR GUMMY SMILES IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY & BEYOND

Do you wish your smile had a more even appearance? One tactic dentists use to achieve this is a procedure called crown lengthening. Crown lengthening can make teeth look longer and can also prepare a tooth for a dental restoration, such as a crown. At A+ Family Dentistry, we are able to offer our patients crown lengthening procedures in order to help them achieve a healthy, beautiful smile. 

Why Might I Need Crown Lengthening?

You have one or more teeth that seem too short. 

There is excessive gum tissue around one or more of your teeth.

Your tooth/teeth are difficult to clean due to their position in your mouth. 

You are considering getting a dental restoration, but there is not enough tooth structure exposed to support the restoration.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

Creates a longer, balanced smile

Provides access for crowns, veneers, or fillings

 Prevents future oral complications

Supports better oral hygiene

Enhances both aesthetics and function

Offers permanent improvement with proper care

Signs Crown Lengthening May Be Right for You

There are a few signs that may indicate that crown lengthening could be right for you, including: 

You have one or more teeth that seem too short. 

There is excessive gum tissue around one or more of your teeth.

Your tooth/teeth are difficult to clean due to their position in your mouth. 

You are considering getting a dental restoration, but there is not enough tooth structure exposed to support the restoration.

Is Crown Lengthening Painful?

We will numb the treatment area with local anesthesia so that you are comfortable throughout the procedure. After the numbing medication wears off following your appointment, you may experience some discomfort and swelling in the treatment area. We will prescribe medication or make other recommendations to help manage any pain or discomfort you may feel. 

Healing & Aftercare

Most patients heal in 1 to 2 weeks with minimal discomfort. Here’s what to expect:

Swelling or tenderness

Sensitivity to hot/cold

A soft-food diet for a few days

Our team will give you easy-to-follow instructions and check in regularly to ensure your gums heal beautifully.

Contact A+ Family Dentistryfor Your Crown Lengthening Consultation

If you are considering crown lengthening or have any questions about the procedure, we invite you to contact  A+ Family Dentistry today to schedule a consultation. Our team will be happy to answer your questions and help you make an informed decision about your treatment. With over 20 years of experience and three convenient locations, we're dedicated to helping patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles. We look forward to talking with you soon!

What to Expect from the Procedure

  • 1. Consultation & Imaging

    We assess your teeth and gums using digital X-rays or 3D scans to plan your treatment.

  • 2. Numbing & Comfort

    Local anesthesia is applied, and sedation options are available for added ease.

  • 3. Gum & Bone Adjustment

    Our skilled dentist removes gum tissue and, if needed, reshapes the underlying bone to reveal more of your tooth.

  • 4. Suturing & Recovery

    The area is sutured and cleaned, and we’ll provide detailed aftercare for a smooth recovery. 

How It Supports Other Dental Treatments

Crown lengthening lays the groundwork for:

Crowns & Bridges – Secure them in place

Veneers – Enhances placement and longevity

Tooth-Colored Fillings – Enables access to deep cavities

Smile Makeovers – Provides a clean, even gum line for flawless results

Risks and Considerations

As with any minor surgery, you may experience:

Mild swelling

Bleeding or sensitivity

Rare risk of infection

We’ll walk you through everything, and our modern techniques make healing fast and comfortable.

Longevity and Maintenance of Results

Once gums are reshaped, the results are permanent—they won’t grow back. Maintain them by:

Brushing twice daily

Flossing regularly

Tooth-Colored Fillings – Enables access to deep cavities

Visiting us every 6 months for checkups

With good habits, your crown lengthening results will last a lifetime.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT CROWN LENGTHENING OR TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT, CALL ONE OF OUR THREE LOCATIONS OR VISIT OUR CONTACT PAGE.

YOUR NEW SMILE STARTS HERE

WHY CHOOSE A+ Family Dentistry

Advanced Dental Technology
Advanced Dental Technology
General, Family & Emergency Dentistry
General, Family & Emergency Dentistry
Comfortable, Caring Treatment
Comfortable, Caring Treatment
Flexible, Non-Insurance Payment Options
Flexible, Non-Insurance Payment Options
Three Convenient Office Locations
Three Convenient Office Locations
Cost-Saving New Patient Specials
Cost-Saving New Patient Specials

HEAR FROM OUR HAPPY PATIENTS

OVER 1700+ ONLINE REVIEWS

"I have had such a great experience coming here! I had a few procedures done including cavity fills, cleaning, and teeth whitening. The staff always made sure I was well informed and comfortable. I would 10/10 recommend this place to my family and friends."

Genevieve A.

SAN DIEGO

"A safe space with no negative judgement, gentle care and great staff. Dr. Tran is not only kind and personable, but he and his whole staff are doing such an incredible job! I have had quite a few procedures done here and I’m very excited and proud to make this my primary dentist."

Raquel W.

POWAY

"The A+ family provides a warm welcoming environment to all their patients. They walk you through each process thoroughly to give you confidence that you’re in good hands. Came here as a recommendation from my girlfriend and am happy I did!"

Vinh V.

SORRENTO VALLEY

READ ALL REVIEWS

Schedule Your Crown Lengthening Consultation Today

 San Diego | Poway | Sorrento Valley
  Call now to book your complimentary consultation.
Let’s bring your best smile to life—one step at a time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is crown lengthening painful?

    It’s performed under local anesthesia. Some soreness is expected afterward but is easily managed with medication.

  • How long is recovery?

    Most patients heal in 1–2 weeks. We’ll monitor your progress and guide you through aftercare.


  • Will insurance cover the procedure?

    Possibly—if done for restorative reasons. Our team will help you check your benefits.

  • Is it permanent?

    Yes! The reshaped gum tissue does not grow back.


  • Can I eat normally after?

    Soft foods are recommended for a few days. Avoid crunchy or spicy items while healing.


  • When can I get my crown placed?

    Usually, after 6–12 weeks of healing, once your gum tissue has fully stabilized

  • Who Is a candidate?

    You're likely a good candidate if you:


    • Have healthy teeth but an uneven gum line


    • Need space to place a crown or filling


    • Want to enhance your smile before a makeover


    • Are in good general health and free of active gum disease

  • How much does crown lengthening cost?

    Costs depend on:


    • Number of teeth involved


    • Bone reshaping requirements


    • Use of sedation


    Some dental insurance plans may cover the procedure if it’s medically necessary. We offer:


    • Transparent pricing


    • Flexible payment plans


    • In-house membership discounts