Crown Lengthening Surgery

Creating Healthier, More Balanced Smiles for Kids

At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we believe every child deserves to smile with confidence. If your child has a “gummy” smile or needs better access to treat a decayed or broken tooth, crown lengthening may be the right solution. This gentle surgical procedure removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth, improving both aesthetics and dental health.

Led by Dr. Paula Lobo, our team is experienced in performing crown lengthening in a safe, comfortable environment tailored to children’s unique needs.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a minor oral surgery that reshapes or removes gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure. This can be done on a single tooth or multiple teeth, depending on the reason for treatment.

The procedure can serve both cosmetic and functional purposes and is commonly used to:

• Reduce the appearance of a “gummy” smile
• Provide better access to treat tooth decay beneath the gums
• Expose more of a broken or damaged tooth to support a dental crown
• Improve oral hygiene by eliminating deep gum pockets that trap bacteria

Why Might My Child Need Crown Lengthening?

Dr. Lobo may recommend crown lengthening for your child if:

• Their smile shows excessive gum tissue, making teeth look short or uneven
• They have a tooth that is broken near the gumline and need a crown
• There’s decay or damage below the gumline that can’t be reached otherwise
• Deep gum pockets contributed to inflammation or infection

Our team will perform a full evaluation to determine if this treatment is appropriate and beneficial for your child’s oral health.

What Happens During the Procedure?

Crown lengthening is a routine and safe outpatient procedure, especially in the hands of a skilled pediatric dental team. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Local Anesthesia: Your child will be kept comfortable with local anesthesia, and sedation options like nitrous oxide (“laughing gas”) are available to ease any anxiety.
2. Gum Tissue Removal: Dr. Lobo gently removes excess gum tissue around the affected tooth or teeth.
3. Bone Reshaping (if needed): If necessary, a small amount of bone may be reshaped to ensure a natural contour and long-lasting results.
4. Gum Reattachment: The gum is then repositioned lower on the tooth, exposing more visible surface area and creating a more balanced smile.

The entire process is typically completed in one visit, and we provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening for Children

While not as common in pediatric dentistry as in adults, crown lengthening can offer several important benefits for children and teens:

• Improved Smile Aesthetics: Teeth appear longer and more proportional, reducing the appearance of a “gummy” smile.
• Better Oral Health: Enhanced access to brushing and flossing helps reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease.
• Support for Restorative Care: Makes it possible to place crowns or fillings when a tooth is broken or decayed near the gumline.
• Prevention of Future Problems: Helps eliminate areas where bacteria can build up and cause infection or inflammation.

Healing and Aftercare

Most children recover quickly after crown lengthening surgery. Your child may experience some mild soreness or swelling for a few days, which can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and a soft diet.

Our team will provide you with detailed home care instructions and be available to answer any questions during your child’s healing process. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to ensure proper healing and long-term success.

Is Crown Lengthening Right for Your Child?

If your child’s smile appears overly gummy or they have a damaged tooth that needs additional support, crown lengthening may be recommended as part of their treatment plan. At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we take the time to evaluate every option and explain our recommendations so that parents feel confident and informed.

Schedule a Consultation with Dr. Paula Lobo

At Kind Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we combine gentle techniques with a deep understanding of pediatric care to make procedures like crown lengthening as stress-free as possible. If you think your child may benefit from this treatment, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Lobo today.

Let’s work together to build a smile that’s healthy, confident, and just right for your child.