Crown lengthening
A typical case, in 6 steps over 3 visits. Typically 6 to 8 weeks of healing before the crown, or 3 to 6 months when it is done for looks. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Crown lengthening · Visit 1
Exam and X-rays
The gums and bone around the tooth are checked with an exam and X-rays to plan how much tooth needs to be exposed.
Source: patients.dentistry.utoronto.ca
Steps in a typical case
Exam and X-rays
The gums and bone around the tooth are checked with an exam and X-rays to plan how much tooth needs to be exposed.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Numbing
The area is numbed with a local anesthetic.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Opening the gum
The gum is gently opened to reach the bone around the tooth.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Reshaping gum and bone
Extra gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
Visit 2 · Source 2
Stitches and dressing
The gum is stitched back in place and may be covered with a protective dressing.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Healing check
The area is checked after 1 to 2 weeks. Work on the new crown typically starts 6 to 8 weeks later.
Visit 3 · Source 1
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically 3 visits: an exam, the surgery and a healing check. Source 1 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically 6 to 8 weeks of healing before the crown, or 3 to 6 months when it is done for looks. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Lifespan does not apply; the crown that typically follows has its own lifespan. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep while healing: warm salt-water rinses 2 to 3 times a day for 3 to 4 days, soft foods, and brushing and flossing everywhere except the surgery site. Source 1 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 3 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D4249).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Crown lengthening. University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry. patients.dentistry.utoronto.ca/crown-lengthening. Accessed November 14, 2026.
- Surgical procedures. American Academy of Periodontology. www.perio.org/for-patients/periodontal-treatments-and-procedures/surgical-procedures. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D4249.