Restore balance to your smile with crown lengthening at Hays Dentistry. Whether you’re dealing with a “gummy” smile, tooth decay below the gumline, or the need for restorative space, Dr. Hays offers this procedure to reshape gum and bone tissue with precision. You’ll experience personalized attention and honest dentistry that puts your comfort first.
Reveal More Natural Tooth Structure
Crown lengthening is a precise dental procedure used to expose more of your natural tooth structure by reshaping excess gum tissue, and sometimes underlying bone, around one or more teeth. This treatment is often necessary when a tooth is too short for a crown or filling, or when too much gum shows when you smile. Using specialized instruments, Dr. Hays gently contours the area to create the optimal foundation for restorative or cosmetic care.
Why You Might Need Crown Lengthening:
- To expose more tooth structure for a crown or filling
- To treat decay or damage below the gumline
- To improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile
- To access fractured or broken teeth for repair
- To even out an uneven gumline
Advantages of Crown Lengthening:
- Enhances the appearance of your smile
- Provides better access for restorative treatments
- Reduces the risk of decay beneath the gums
- Improves gum health by reducing deep pockets
- Creates a stable foundation for crowns or fillings
- Balances gum-to-tooth proportions for a more natural look
- Helps preserve the long-term health of the treated tooth
Your Complete Crown Lengthening Experience at Hays Dentistry
Consultation
Your experience begins with an in-depth consultation with Dr. Hays. He’ll examine your teeth, gums, and oral health to determine if crown lengthening is right for your needs. Using advanced imaging and diagnostic tools, Dr. Hays will evaluate how much gum tissue and possibly bone needs to be reshaped. He’ll also explain the process in clear terms, answer your questions, and ensure you understand both the aesthetic and functional goals of the procedure.
Treatment
On the day of your procedure, you’ll be made comfortable with local anesthesia and optional sedation, depending on your preferences. Dr. Hays begins by making incisions to access the gum tissue surrounding the tooth or teeth being treated. He carefully removes small amounts of gum tissue, and, when necessary, reshapes the underlying bone to expose the desired amount of natural tooth structure. Once the ideal contours are achieved, Dr. Hays sutures the gums back into place and applies a protective dressing if needed.
Recovery
Following the procedure, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to support optimal healing. Most patients experience mild discomfort, swelling, or sensitivity for a few days, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief and a diet of soft foods. Dr. Hays may schedule a follow-up appointment within a week to monitor healing and remove sutures. It’s important to keep the area clean and avoid aggressive brushing while your gums recover.
Results
You’ll begin to notice visible improvements in the shape and symmetry of your gumline within a few days, with full healing typically occurring in 6 to 8 weeks. The exposed tooth structure will be ready for crowns, fillings, or other treatments once the gums have fully stabilized. The results are long-lasting, helping you maintain a healthier, more balanced smile for years to come.
Schedule Your Consultation With Dr. Hays
Dr. William Hays is committed to delivering a more thoughtful, personalized kind of dental care. At Hays Dentistry in Waxhaw, you’ll never feel rushed or pressured. Instead, you’ll experience attentive, honest dentistry with an emphasis on detail and patient-centered results. If you’re dealing with a “gummy” smile or need space for a restoration, crown lengthening may be the ideal solution. Schedule your consultation today to explore your options with Dr. Hays.
