At Unley Park Dental, we understand that the thought of Crown Lengthening can be a bit daunting.
Our philosophy is simple: we’re here to make this a comfortable and straightforward experience, not a chore.
Crown lengthening sounds intimidating because, well, it kind of is. We’re not going to sugarcoat that. We won’t rush you through explanations either, just to get to the procedure. You’ll know exactly what we’re doing and why before we even start.
We take the time to make sure you’re actually comfortable, not just physically, but mentally too. Because getting great results shouldn’t come at the cost of your peace of mind.
What are Crown Lengthening for?
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure designed to expose more of your tooth’s structure by reshaping or removing a small amount of gum tissue and, in some cases, bone. This procedure may sound intimidating, but it is a safe and effective way to improve both the function and appearance of your teeth while ensuring your smile looks natural and healthy.
You might need crown lengthening if a tooth is broken, decayed below the gum line, or if you have a “gummy” smile where excess gum tissue covers too much of your teeth.
By exposing more of the tooth, crown lengthening allows your dentist to fit crowns, bridges, or other restorations securely and accurately. This ensures the final restoration is strong, functional, and long-lasting.
Crown lengthening can also be performed for cosmetic reasons. If your gums cover a large portion of your teeth, reshaping the gum line can create a more balanced, aesthetically pleasing smile. Many patients notice a significant improvement in confidence and appearance following the procedure.
During the procedure, we carefully plan and measure how much tissue and bone to remove, ensuring precision and optimal results. The area is numbed with local anaesthetic, so you remain comfortable throughout. After the gum and bone are adjusted, the site is cleaned, and healing is supported with sutures if needed. Recovery usually involves mild swelling or tenderness for a few days, which can be managed with pain relief and careful oral hygiene.
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The Process
Our process ensures every patient receives personalised attention, comprehensive treatment, and ongoing support. From your first consultation through your complete recovery, we prioritise your comfort, understanding, and long-term oral health success. This is what ‘care beyond the chair’ truly means.
Step 1
Comprehensive Discovery & Examination
We start the crown lengthening procedure with a comprehensive consultation, assessing your teeth, gums, and jaw to determine how much tissue or bone we need to remove. We also discuss your goals—whether functional, aesthetic, or both—so we can tailor the treatment to your needs.
Step 2
Pre-Treatment Prep
On the day of the procedure, we administer local anaesthetic to keep you comfortable and pain-free.
Step 3
Treatment Process
We then carefully remove or reshape gum tissue and, if necessary, a small amount of bone to expose more of your tooth structure. This creates a strong foundation for a crown, bridge, or other restoration and improves the overall appearance of your smile. After adjusting the gum and bone, we clean the area and place sutures if needed. We may also apply temporary protective coverings to support healing and prevent irritation.
Step 4
Aftercare & Post-treatment Evaluation
We guide you through recovery, which usually involves mild swelling or tenderness for a few days. With proper oral hygiene and follow-up appointments, we ensure your gum tissue heals well and your teeth are ready for long-lasting, functional, and aesthetically pleasing restorations.
Why Unley Park Dental for Crown Lengthening?
Our care goes beyond the chair.
Because you want a dentist who combines experience, innovation, and care. We deliver thoughtful, individualised treatments with the latest technology—always guided by your comfort, needs, and goals.
We don’t follow the standard script. We plan deeper, communicate better, and aim higher. Our process is led by genuine relationships, not conveyor-belt care. From our technology to our tone, everything we do is about delivering a more refined experience.
Each member of our team brings a specialist skillset and a shared philosophy: excellence with empathy. Our dentists are not only highly qualified—they’re deeply committed to your comfort and results.
We believe that great results begin long before treatment starts. Our process starts with a detailed consultation and examination. Using state-of-the-art tools–high-resolution photography, digital x-rays, and 3D imaging–we map out every detail of your dental needs. This approach allows us to plan with precision and avoid unnecessary surprises. Whether you’re here for a simple clean or a full-mouth reconstruction, we’re always thinking three steps ahead.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How painful is a crown lengthening procedure?Crown lengthening is generally well-tolerated because we administer local anaesthetic to numb the area. You may experience mild discomfort, swelling, or tenderness for a few days after the procedure, which can be managed with pain relief and proper care.
How much does it cost to lengthen a crown?The cost of crown lengthening in Australia typically ranges from $200-$300 per tooth, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the amount of tissue or bone removed, and whether additional restorations like crowns or bridges are required.
What are the disadvantages of crown lengthening?Crown lengthening may cause temporary swelling, tenderness, or minor bleeding. Removing gum or bone tissue can increase tooth sensitivity, and healing requires careful oral hygiene. In some cases, aesthetics may be affected if too much gum is removed.
Is crown lengthening worth it?Yes, crown lengthening is often worth it for both functional and aesthetic reasons. It allows crowns and restorations to fit properly, prevents future dental complications, improves oral hygiene, and can enhance the appearance of a gummy or uneven smile, supporting long-term oral health.
What are the benefits of Crown Lengthening?One of the primary advantages is restoring proper tooth structure. By exposing more of your tooth, the procedure allows crowns, bridges, or other restorations to fit securely, improving strength, durability, and long-term oral health.
Another key benefit is improved aesthetics. If you have a “gummy” smile or uneven gum line, crown lengthening can reshape your gums for a more balanced, attractive appearance. This helps your smile look natural, enhancing confidence and self-esteem.
Crown lengthening also promotes better oral hygiene. By revealing more of your tooth, it becomes easier to clean around restorations and maintain healthy gums, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Additionally, the procedure can help prevent further dental complications. Teeth that are broken, decayed, or positioned below the gum line are more prone to damage and infection; crown lengthening addresses these issues before they worsen.
What are some tips for recovery/post-treatment?Do’s
- Follow all post-procedure instructions we provide to promote healing and prevent complications.
- Take prescribed medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics as directed.
- Eat soft foods for the first few days to avoid putting pressure on the treated area.
- Maintain gentle oral hygiene, brushing and rinsing as we recommend, being careful around the surgical site.
- Attend follow-up appointments so we can monitor healing and ensure optimal results.
- Apply cold compresses if needed to reduce swelling and discomfort.
Dont’s
- Avoid hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could irritate or damage the treated area.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol, as these can slow healing and increase infection risk.
- Avoid touching or poking the surgical site with your fingers or tongue.
- Don’t skip medications or cleaning instructions, as this can compromise recovery.
- Do not ignore pain, swelling, or unusual symptoms; contact us promptly if issues arise.
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Book With Confidence
Whether you’re new to Adelaide or simply looking for a dental clinic that feels a little different, we invite you to discover Unley Park Dental.
From your first appointment to your final results, we prioritise your comfort, clarity, and care.
Unley Park Dental. Not your ordinary dentist in Adelaide.
