Crown Lengthening in Hickory, NC
If your smile looks too “gummy” or your teeth appear disproportionately short, crown lengthening at Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC can transform your smile and your confidence. This precise, minimally invasive procedure reshapes excess gum tissue to reveal more of your natural teeth — creating a more balanced, beautiful result. Call (828) 322-2977 to schedule your consultation today.
Crown Lengthening in Hickory, NC — Cosmetic & Functional Gum Reshaping
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that exposes more of the natural tooth structure by carefully removing excess gum tissue and, when necessary, a small amount of supporting bone. At Hickory Dentistry in Hickory, NC , we perform crown lengthening for two distinct purposes: cosmetic improvement and functional restoration — and the results in both categories can be genuinely life-changing.
We serve patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, and Conover who are seeking skilled, attentive periodontal care from a dental team they can trust. Whether you’re bothered by the appearance of your gumline or your dentist has recommended crown lengthening to prepare a tooth for restoration, Hickory Dentistry is here to provide expert care and a smooth, comfortable experience from start to finish.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening — Treating a “Gummy Smile”
A gummy smile — in which the gums cover a larger-than-average portion of the tooth surface — is a common aesthetic concern that can make teeth appear short, small, or uneven, even when the underlying teeth are perfectly healthy. For patients who feel self-conscious about excessive gum display when they smile, cosmetic crown lengthening offers a permanent, effective solution. By removing the excess gum tissue and sculpting a new, more aesthetically pleasing gumline, Dr. Millsaps reveals the full natural length of your teeth and creates a smile that feels proportionate and balanced. The results are dramatic — and because the tissue is reshaped rather than just temporarily affected, your new gumline is permanent. Many patients who have felt self-conscious about their smile for years are genuinely amazed at the transformation crown lengthening delivers. The procedure pairs beautifully with other cosmetic dentistry treatments — such as veneers or teeth whitening — for a complete smile makeover.
Functional Crown Lengthening — Preparing Teeth for Restoration
Beyond cosmetics, crown lengthening is also frequently a necessary step before placing a dental crown or other restoration on a tooth that has broken off at or near the gumline. For a crown to hold properly and function long-term, there must be sufficient healthy tooth structure above the gum for the crown to grip. When decay or a fracture has compromised the tooth at or below the gumline, crown lengthening exposes enough additional structure to make the restoration both possible and durable. Without this procedure, a crown placed too close to the bone can lead to chronic gum inflammation and eventual failure of the restoration. Functional crown lengthening ensures the restoration is placed on a stable, accessible foundation — protecting your dental investment and your oral health for the long term.
What to Expect During and After Crown Lengthening
Before proceeding, Dr. Millsaps will meet with you to understand your goals — whether cosmetic, functional, or both — assess your gum health, and confirm that crown lengthening is the right procedure for your situation. The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you’ll remain comfortable throughout. Dr. Millsaps makes precise incisions to reshape the gum tissue and, when needed, carefully recontours a small amount of bone to achieve the ideal result. The area is then sutured, and a follow-up visit is scheduled to monitor healing. Recovery from crown lengthening takes approximately three months for the gum tissue to fully settle into its final position. During the first week, you’ll be advised to stick to soft foods, avoid vigorous rinsing, and follow specific oral hygiene instructions to protect the healing tissue. Most patients experience only mild to moderate discomfort in the days following the procedure, which is effectively managed with prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers. Sensitivity around the treated teeth may persist for several weeks as the tissue heals. Our team will be in close communication with you throughout your recovery to ensure everything is progressing as expected.
Why Choose Hickory Dentistry for Crown Lengthening in Hickory, NC?
Crown lengthening requires both technical precision and an artistic eye — getting the gumline right means understanding how your unique facial features, tooth proportions, and smile dynamics all interact. Dr. Millsaps brings both the clinical skill and the aesthetic sensibility to deliver results that look natural and feel right for your face. Our team is warm, thorough in communication, and committed to making every procedure as comfortable as possible. Patients from Hickory, NC and surrounding communities consistently leave our office with results that exceed their expectations. To find out whether crown lengthening is the right choice for your smile goals, call (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online today.
Frequently Asked Questions — Crown Lengthening in Hickory, NC
How do I know if I need cosmetic or functional crown lengthening?
Cosmetic crown lengthening is for patients who are unhappy with the appearance of their gumline — typically those who feel their smile is too gummy or that their teeth look disproportionately short. Functional crown lengthening is recommended when a tooth has broken or decayed close to or below the gumline and needs more exposed tooth structure before a crown or filling can be properly placed. In some cases, patients need both cosmetic and functional benefits from the same procedure. Dr. Millsaps will evaluate your situation and clearly explain which type — or combination — applies to you.
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should feel little to no discomfort during crown lengthening itself. Afterward, some soreness, swelling, and sensitivity around the treated area is expected for the first few days to a week and is typically managed well with prescribed or over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses. Most patients are pleasantly surprised at how manageable the post-procedure discomfort is. Our team will provide thorough aftercare instructions and is available to address any concerns during your recovery.
How long does it take to see the final results of crown lengthening?
You’ll see an immediate improvement in the proportion of your smile right after the procedure — but the final results aren’t visible until the gum tissue has fully healed and settled into its new position, which takes approximately three months. This healing period is necessary because the gum tissue continues to remodel after the procedure. We schedule follow-up visits during this time to monitor your healing and ensure you’re on track for the beautiful, lasting result Dr. Millsaps has planned for your smile.
Will crown lengthening permanently change my gumline?
Yes — once the gum tissue and bone have been reshaped and fully healed, the result is permanent. The tissue removed during crown lengthening does not grow back, so your new gumline and the additional tooth length it reveals are lasting changes. This permanence is one of the most significant advantages of crown lengthening over temporary cosmetic solutions. Maintaining good gum health after the procedure — through consistent oral hygiene and regular dental visits — ensures your results stay beautiful long-term.
Can crown lengthening be combined with other cosmetic dental treatments?
Absolutely — and it often is. Crown lengthening pairs particularly well with porcelain veneers, teeth whitening, and other cosmetic treatments for patients seeking a complete smile transformation. In fact, for patients planning veneers, addressing a gummy smile first through crown lengthening ensures the veneers are placed on a properly proportioned canvas, maximizing the aesthetic outcome. Dr. Millsaps will help you sequence any combination of treatments to achieve your best possible result efficiently.
How long does the crown lengthening procedure itself take?
The length of the procedure depends on how many teeth or how much of the gumline is being treated. A single tooth typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Treating multiple teeth or a full arch of gum tissue may take longer. Dr. Millsaps will give you a specific time estimate during your consultation based on your individual treatment plan. Most patients find the procedure goes quickly and feel comfortable and at ease throughout with the anesthesia in place.
Do you perform crown lengthening for patients from Newton, Lenoir, and Granite Falls?
Hickory Dentistry welcomes patients from Hickory, NC and all surrounding communities — including Newton, Lenoir, Granite Falls, Conover, and beyond — for crown lengthening and all other periodontal services. If you’re ready to improve the proportion and appearance of your smile, or if your dentist has recommended crown lengthening before a restoration, call us at (828) 322-2977 or request an appointment online. We’d love to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted.
