Your Guide to Crown Lengthening
Find out why you may need crown lengthening surgery before a crown can be fitted, what happens on the day, and what your recovery involves.
Urgent help: who to contact
Call 999 or go to A&E now if you find it hard to breathe, swallow or speak, or if swelling spreads to your neck, under your tongue or around your eye.
Contact your dental team straight away if you have other urgent problems after crown lengthening. These include heavy bleeding that does not settle, or swelling that is getting worse. If you cannot reach them, call NHS 111.
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a minor operation. It shows more of your tooth by removing a small amount of gum. Sometimes a little of the bone underneath is removed too.
This gives the dentist more tooth to work with when fitting a crown or other repair (restoration).
Despite the name, the tooth itself does not get longer. More of the tooth you already have is simply shown above the gum line.
Why might I need crown lengthening?
There are two main reasons for crown lengthening.
To repair the tooth (restorative):
- A tooth has broken off near or below the gum line, from a crack or decay
- Not enough tooth shows above the gum to hold a crown. Without more tooth, the crown could come loose over time.
- The dentist needs to place the edge of a crown below the gum, to cover a cavity or broken area. There must be enough space between this edge and the bone.
To improve how your smile looks (cosmetic):
- A "gummy smile". Too much gum shows when you smile because the gum covers part of the teeth.
- Uneven gum levels that make the smile look lopsided (asymmetrical)
What happens during crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is done with a numbing injection (local anaesthetic):
- The area is numbed.
- Small cuts are made in the gum around the tooth or teeth being treated.
- The gum is gently lifted back to show the bone underneath.
- A small amount of gum (and sometimes bone) is removed. This shows as much of the tooth as is needed.
- The gum is stitched back in its new position.
You usually need to heal for 6–8 weeks before the crown is fitted. This lets the gum level settle.
Risks and possible complications
Common:
- Swelling and soreness for several days after surgery
- Teeth may look longer after healing. This is expected.
- Sensitive teeth, mostly to cold
Uncommon:
- The final gum level may be a little different from what was planned
- Infection that needs antibiotics
Rare:
- Weaker support for the tooth in the long term, if a lot of bone was removed
After crown lengthening
- Take painkillers as advised for the first few days.
- Eat soft foods on the other side.
- From day 2, rinse gently with warm salt water.
- You may be prescribed an antiseptic mouthwash for 1–2 weeks.
- Stitches are usually taken out at a follow-up visit after 1–2 weeks.
- Do not smoke. This helps healing.
Questions to ask your dental team
- Why do I need crown lengthening before my crown can be fitted?
- How much longer will my tooth look after healing?
- How long must I wait before the crown is fitted?
- Could there be long-term effects on this tooth or the teeth next to it?
This leaflet is for general information only and does not replace professional dental advice. It is intended to support — not replace — the discussion with your dental team about your individual options, risks, and treatment plan. Treatment outcomes vary between patients depending on individual circumstances. Your dental team will confirm exact fees and what is suitable for your specific circumstances before you agree to any treatment.
Sources
- Crowns, Fixed Bridges and Dental Implants: Guidelines. British Society for Restorative Dentistry, 2013.
- Crowns. Oral Health Foundation.
Links checked 18 October 2026.
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Related leaflets
For clinicians: Crown Lengthening (Surgical) notes template.
Learn more about dental documentation on our blog or see Nosht pricing.