Why choose us
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Saves More Natural Teeth
We can expose more healthy tooth structure so a damaged tooth may be restored with a crown instead of removed.
Better-Fitting Crowns
Creating room along the gumline helps your new crown fit securely and comfortably.
Balanced, Even Smile
We can reshape excess gum tissue so your teeth look more proportionate when you smile.
Coordinated Care Here
Our team can plan your crown lengthening and your crown together in our West Palm Beach office.
Flexible Payment Options
We accept all major PPO plans and welcome self-pay patients.
If your dentist has told you there isn't enough tooth showing to hold a new crown, or you've noticed your smile looks "gummy" with teeth that seem short, you may be wondering what can be done. In many cases, the answer is crown lengthening, a precise procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes the underlying bone, to expose more of the natural tooth. At Family Dental Care in West Palm Beach, we perform crown lengthening as part of our periodontal and restorative care, so you can often plan and complete your treatment with one familiar team.
Crown lengthening adjusts the gumline around one or more teeth so that more of the tooth's surface is visible above the gums. Despite the name, nothing is added to the tooth. Instead, we carefully remove or reposition a small amount of gum tissue. When needed, we also gently recontour the supporting bone so the gums heal at a healthy new level.
The procedure serves two broad purposes. The first is restorative. A crown, filling, or other restoration needs enough sound tooth structure to grip. If a tooth has broken off near the gumline, has decay that extends below the gums, or is simply too short to hold a crown securely, crown lengthening can create the room we need to restore it properly. The second purpose is cosmetic. Some patients have healthy teeth that are partially covered by extra gum tissue. Reshaping the gumline can reveal more of each tooth and create a more balanced smile, often alongside treatments like gum contouring, veneers, or a full smile makeover.
Good candidates generally fall into a few common situations:
- A tooth has fractured at or below the gumline and needs a crown to be saved
- Decay or an old filling extends beneath the gums, making it hard to repair
- A tooth is too short to support a crown or bridge reliably
- Excess gum tissue makes teeth look short or uneven in a smile
- An existing restoration needs to be replaced and the margin sits too far under the gums
Before recommending crown lengthening, we take time to examine the tooth, the surrounding gums, and the bone beneath. Healthy gums matter here. If there are signs of gum disease, we may recommend treatment such as scaling and root planing first so the tissue heals predictably. We also look at how the tooth fits into your bite and your overall plan, because crown lengthening is usually one step toward a final restoration, not the finish line.
If you feel anxious about dental procedures, let us know. We offer oral sedation dentistry, and we're happy to talk through whether it's a good fit for you. You also don't need a referral to see us for periodontal care, so you can call us directly to start the conversation.
How Crown Lengthening Fits Into Your Treatment Plan
Because our office brings general, cosmetic, periodontal, and restorative dentistry under one roof, crown lengthening rarely happens in isolation. A common example is a patient whose back tooth cracked while eating. After evaluating the break, we might recommend crown lengthening to expose healthy tooth structure, followed by a crown once the gums have healed. If the tooth also needs a root canal, our team can coordinate that care as well.
On the cosmetic side, crown lengthening is often paired with porcelain veneers, composite bonding, or teeth whitening as part of a coordinated smile design. Adjusting the gumline first gives the final restorations a better frame, so your new smile looks proportionate and natural. Planning these steps together helps us sequence your care thoughtfully rather than treating each tooth as a separate project.
Aftercare and Healing
Healing is a gradual process, and following your aftercare instructions closely helps your gums settle into their new position. We'll give you specific guidance before you leave, which usually covers how to keep the area clean, what to eat in the first days, and how to manage any tenderness. Soft foods and gentle brushing around the treated area are typical early on.
We'll schedule follow-up visits to check how the tissue is healing. When crown lengthening is done to prepare for a crown, we wait until the gums have stabilized before placing the final restoration, which helps the crown fit well along the new gumline. Keeping up with regular cleanings and exams afterward is one of the best ways to protect both your gums and your restoration over time.
Insurance and Payment Options
We accept all major PPO insurance plans and will help you understand how your coverage may apply to crown lengthening and any related restorative work. Because coverage varies from plan to plan, we're glad to review the details with you before treatment begins. We also welcome self-pay patients and will walk you through your options clearly so there are no surprises.
If a short tooth, a broken tooth, or an uneven gumline has been on your mind, we'd love to help you find a solution. Patients from West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens trust Dr. Westcott, Dr. Trivedi, and our team for thoughtful, coordinated care. Call Family Dental Care today to schedule your consultation.
The process
What to expect
- 1
Consultation and Exam
We examine your teeth and gums, answer your questions, and explain whether crown lengthening fits your treatment plan.
- 2
Gentle Gum Reshaping
We carefully adjust the gum tissue, and when needed the supporting bone, to expose more of your tooth.
- 3
Healing and Restoration
We share aftercare instructions and check your healing before moving forward with your crown or cosmetic treatment.