Crown Lengthening in La Jolla
An excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety free, dental experience to those who are afraid of the dentist.
At La Jolla Dental Wellness Center, we offer crown lengthening, a specialized procedure designed to enhance the aesthetics of your smile and improve oral health. Whether you need crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons (such as correcting a gummy smile) or for functional purposes (to expose more of a tooth for a dental restoration), our expert team ensures a precise, comfortable, and effective treatment tailored to your needs.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum line to expose more of the tooth structure. This is done by removing excess gum tissue, and in some cases, a small portion of bone, to create a balanced and proportionate smile or to prepare the tooth for a dental restoration.
An excellent way to provide a safe, anxiety free, dental experience to those who are afraid of the dentist.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening provides both functional and aesthetic advantages, including:
- ~ Correcting a Gummy Smile – Reduces excessive gum tissue to reveal more of your natural teeth.
- ~ Enhancing Smile Aesthetics – Creates a more balanced and symmetrical gum line.
- ~ Facilitating Dental Restorations – Exposes more of a tooth’s structure for crowns, veneers, or fillings.
- ~ Preventing Tooth Decay & Gum Disease – Helps reduce the risk of plaque buildup and bacterial infections in deep gum pockets.
- ~ Improving Oral Hygiene – Makes it easier to clean and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
When is Crown Lengthening Needed?
Crown lengthening is recommended in the following situations:
- Cosmetic Concerns: If you feel your smile looks too “gummy” or your teeth appear too short, crown lengthening can reshape your gum line to create a more aesthetically pleasing look.
- Dental Crowns & Restorations: If a tooth has broken below the gum line or has decay under the gum, crown lengthening is needed to expose more of the tooth’s structure for proper restoration.
- Periodontal Health Issues: Excess gum tissue can harbor bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and decay. Crown lengthening helps improve gum health and makes it easier to maintain oral hygiene.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
At La Jolla Dental Wellness Center, we use advanced technology and minimally invasive techniques to ensure a smooth, pain-free procedure with optimal results.
Consultation and Treatment Planning
- Our dentist will evaluate your oral health, gum structure, and aesthetic concerns.
- We take digital scans and X-rays to determine the best approach for your crown lengthening procedure.
- A personalized treatment plan is developed to meet your cosmetic and functional needs.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
- Local anesthesia is applied to ensure a pain-free experience.
- Using laser technology or precise surgical techniques, excess gum tissue (and sometimes bone) is carefully reshaped.
- The gum line is sculpted to achieve a balanced and natural-looking result.
- Sutures may be placed to assist in healing, depending on the extent of the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
- Healing typically takes one to two weeks, though full recovery of gum tissues may take a little longer.
- You may experience minor swelling and tenderness, which can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers and a soft diet.
- Proper oral hygiene is essential to ensure optimal healing and long-term results.
- A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your healing progress and discuss any next steps, such as placing a dental crown or veneer.
Why Choose La Jolla Dental Wellness Center for Crown Lengthening?
- ~ Expertise in Cosmetic & Restorative Dentistry – Our team has extensive experience in precise gum reshaping and aesthetic smile design.
- ~ Minimally Invasive Techniques – We use advanced laser technology and modern surgical methods to ensure faster healing and minimal discomfort.
- ~ Personalized Care & Attention – Every crown lengthening procedure is customized to achieve the best functional and aesthetic results.
- ~ State-of-the-Art Facility – Our office is equipped with cutting-edge dental technology for superior patient care.
- ~ Comfortable & Stress-Free Experience – We prioritize patient comfort with gentle techniques, sedation options, and a relaxing environment.
Meet Our
La Jolla Dentists
Dr. Bo Ah Kim
Dr. Bo Ah Kim pursued her passion for dentistry at Columbia University, College of Dental Medicine in New York City, earning her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 2007. Her training in general dentistry equips her with the skills to perform a broad range of procedures from basic fillings and crowns to complex full mouth reconstructions and TMJ Botox injections. Dr. Kim is renowned for her dedication to patient care, making communication and comfort the cornerstones of her practice.
Dr. Hyung Jin Bae
Accreditations
Wonderful Words from our Patients
~ Gabrielle Breton Leduc
~ Alice Hou
~ Gabrielle Breton Leduc
Comprehensive
Dental Services
Specialized Care in Periodontics and Dental Implants
When you visit La Jolla Dental Wellness, you’re in the skilled hands of Dr. Hyung Jin Bae, a board-certified periodontist with advanced training from Columbia, Penn, and Harvard. Dr. Bae brings years of experience in surgical periodontics, focusing on the gums, jawbone, and the foundational support your teeth rely on every day.
Dr. Bae’s passion goes far beyond routine care: He combines precision, technology, and a personalized approach to long-term oral health. His commitment to overall wellness enhances the lives of patients in our region and beyond.
Why See a Periodontist?
Think of periodontists as the architects of your smile’s foundation. Dr. Bae’s unique expertise allows him to diagnose and treat complex issues, rebuild gum and bone support, and place implants with accuracy and confidence. If you’re looking for care that prioritizes both your health and the future of your smile, Dr. Bae’s experience makes all the difference.
What to Expect at La Jolla Dental Wellness:
Personalized Consultation
We take time to understand your concerns, goals, and health history before creating a tailored treatment plan. Advanced Imaging & Diagnostics
Using 3D scans and digital tools, we focus on precise diagnosis and treatment benefits. Comfort-First Care
IV and oral sedation options are available to help you feel relaxed and at ease during your care. Prevention Meets Regeneration
From early gum care to advanced tissue regeneration, we help protect and restore your oral health for the long haul.
Simple Payment Options
Insurance Coverage
We offer third–party financing options like CareCredit, and Cherry. Payment options through Cherry Technologies, Inc. are issued by the following lending partners:
https://withcherry.com/lending-partners
Visit La Jolla Dental Wellness
Hours
Monday – Tuesday 9am-5pm
Wednesday – CLOSED
Thursday – Friday 9am-5pm
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening
Is crown lengthening painful?
No! We use local anesthesia and minimally invasive techniques to ensure that the procedure is pain-free. Mild discomfort after the procedure can be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does it take to heal after crown lengthening?
Initial healing takes about one to two weeks, but complete gum tissue recovery may take several weeks. Most patients can resume normal activities within a few days.
Will my gums grow back after crown lengthening?
No, the gum tissue removed during the procedure will not grow back. The results are permanent, and proper oral care will help maintain them.
Can I get a dental crown or veneer immediately after crown lengthening?
In most cases, we recommend waiting four to six weeks to allow proper gum healing before placing a permanent restoration.
Schedule Your Crown Lengthening Consultation Today
If you’re considering crown lengthening for cosmetic enhancement or dental restoration, let the experts at La Jolla Dental Wellness Center help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile.
Call us at 858-558-1946 to schedule your consultation or book an appointment online!
Enhance your smile and improve your oral health with expert crown lengthening at La Jolla Dental Wellness Center!
