Precision bone recontouring and soft tissue reshaping by board-certified periodontist Dr. Chanook David Ahn. Whether you need more tooth exposed for a crown or want to correct a gummy smile, we deliver lasting results. Located in the South Coast Metro area.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and, when necessary, reshapes the underlying bone to expose more of a tooth's natural structure above the gum line. The procedure is performed for two distinct reasons: functional crown lengthening exposes additional tooth structure so your general dentist can properly place a crown, bridge, or other restoration; cosmetic crown lengthening corrects a gummy smile by revealing more of the natural teeth and creating a balanced, symmetrical gum line. In both cases, the procedure involves precise management of both soft tissue (gums) and hard tissue (bone), which is why it is best performed by a board-certified periodontist with specialized surgical training.
The relationship between the gum tissue, the underlying alveolar bone, and the tooth is governed by a concept periodontists call the biologic width. This is the natural distance, typically about 2 to 3 millimeters, that the body maintains between the bone crest and the edge of the gum tissue. When a tooth breaks or decays below the gum line, or when excess tissue covers too much of a tooth, the biologic width must be re-established surgically before a restoration can be placed or the aesthetic concern can be resolved. Simply trimming gum tissue without addressing the bone (a procedure called gingivectomy) often leads to tissue regrowth because the body attempts to re-establish its biologic width. A true crown lengthening procedure addresses both the bone and the gum tissue, producing a result that is stable and long-lasting.
Crown lengthening is one of the most commonly performed periodontal surgeries. It requires a thorough understanding of dental anatomy, tissue healing biology, and the principles of biologic width. At The Loft Dental Studio, Dr. Chanook David Ahn performs crown lengthening with microsurgical precision, using careful bone recontouring and soft tissue reshaping to create results that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
Functional crown lengthening is performed when a tooth has broken, decayed, or worn down to a point where there is not enough tooth structure above the gum line for your general dentist to place a crown, filling, or other restoration. Without adequate exposed tooth structure, a crown cannot achieve a proper seal against the tooth, which leads to recurrent decay, bacterial leakage, and eventual failure of the restoration.
Saving Teeth vs. Extracting Them: In many cases, a tooth that another provider has recommended for extraction can actually be saved with crown lengthening followed by a proper restoration. Dr. Ahn evaluates the root structure, bone support, and overall prognosis of the tooth before recommending extraction. If the tooth has adequate root length, healthy bone support, and no vertical root fracture, crown lengthening can often preserve it for many more years of function.
A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue covers too much of the teeth, making them appear short, stubby, or disproportionate. In many cases, the teeth underneath are actually normal-sized but are hidden beneath excess tissue. Cosmetic crown lengthening removes this excess gum tissue and reshapes the underlying bone to reveal the full natural tooth, creating a smile that is balanced, proportional, and aesthetically pleasing.
Cosmetic crown lengthening typically addresses the six to ten teeth visible when smiling, known as the smile zone. Dr. Ahn carefully plans the new gum line to create natural symmetry between the teeth, ensuring that the central incisors and canines are slightly longer than the lateral incisors and that the gum margins follow a gentle, harmonious curve. The result is a smile that looks naturally beautiful rather than surgically altered.
Learn more about our cosmetic gum contouring services.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves both soft tissue and hard tissue management. The distinction between having this procedure performed by a board-certified periodontist versus a general dentist is significant and directly impacts the quality, predictability, and longevity of the result.
A general dentist may offer a gingivectomy, which involves trimming soft tissue with a laser or scalpel. While this can produce short-term improvement, the tissue frequently grows back within weeks to months because the underlying bone was not reshaped. True crown lengthening, as performed by Dr. Ahn, involves raising a gum flap, recontouring the alveolar bone to the desired level, and then repositioning the tissue to its new, permanent position. This approach creates a result that is stable for years because the biologic width is properly established.
Crown lengthening is not about cutting gum tissue. It is about understanding the biological relationship between bone, tissue, and tooth, and then precisely reshaping that architecture to achieve a specific clinical or aesthetic goal. When bone recontouring is performed correctly and biologic width is respected, the result is permanent. When only soft tissue is trimmed, the body will rebuild that tissue to its original position because the biologic width demands it. This is why a periodontist's training in hard tissue surgery makes such a significant difference in outcomes. At The Loft Dental Studio, every crown lengthening case is planned with the final restoration or cosmetic goal in mind, so the surgical result integrates seamlessly with your overall treatment.
Understanding the procedure helps patients feel prepared and confident. Here is what to expect when you have crown lengthening performed by Dr. Ahn at The Loft Dental Studio.
Every crown lengthening case begins with a thorough evaluation. Dr. Ahn examines the tooth or teeth in question, takes digital X-rays or a CBCT 3D scan when needed, and measures the existing tooth structure, gum tissue levels, and bone levels. For functional cases, he coordinates with your referring general dentist to understand the restoration requirements. For cosmetic cases, he evaluates your smile dynamics, gum symmetry, tooth proportions, and lip line to design a gum line that looks natural and balanced.
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for complete numbness. IV sedation, oral sedation, and nitrous oxide (laughing gas) are available for patients who prefer additional relaxation. Learn more about our sedation options.
Dr. Ahn makes precise incisions in the gum tissue and elevates a flap to expose the underlying bone. Using microsurgical instruments, he carefully reshapes the alveolar bone around the tooth to the planned level. The amount of bone removed is carefully calibrated: enough to establish proper biologic width (approximately 3 millimeters between the new bone crest and the planned gum margin) but no more than necessary to preserve the tooth's support. For cosmetic cases involving multiple teeth, Dr. Ahn ensures the bone recontouring is symmetric across the entire smile zone.
After bone recontouring is complete, the gum tissue flap is repositioned at the new, lower level and secured with sutures. The tissue is carefully contoured to create smooth, natural gum margins. In functional cases, the newly exposed tooth structure is now accessible for your dentist to prepare a crown. In cosmetic cases, the new gum line reveals more of the natural tooth, creating the desired aesthetic improvement.
Dr. Ahn uses PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) therapy derived from the patient's own blood to enhance healing at the surgical site. PRF delivers concentrated growth factors directly to the tissue, accelerating soft tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and improving post-operative comfort.
Whether you need more tooth exposed for a restoration or want to correct a gummy smile, Dr. Ahn provides expert evaluation and personalized treatment planning.
Call (714) 549-7030Crown lengthening costs vary depending on whether the procedure is functional or cosmetic, the number of teeth involved, and the complexity of the bone recontouring required. At The Loft Dental Studio, we provide detailed cost estimates after your evaluation so you understand exactly what your treatment will involve before proceeding.
Functional crown lengthening is often covered by PPO dental insurance plans because it is considered a medically necessary procedure that enables tooth restoration. Coverage typically ranges from 50 to 80 percent depending on your plan's surgical benefits. Cosmetic crown lengthening is generally considered elective and is not covered by dental insurance. Our administrative team verifies your benefits before treatment so you understand your out-of-pocket costs in advance.
PPO Plans We Accept: Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
We offer financing through CareCredit, which provides low-interest and interest-free payment plans. We also accept FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) funds. For more details, visit our Insurance & Payment page.
Recovery from crown lengthening is straightforward when patients follow post-operative instructions carefully. Here is what Costa Mesa patients typically experience.
The Loft Dental Studio is located in the South Coast Metro area of Costa Mesa, centrally positioned to serve patients throughout Orange County. Our office at 3151 Airway Ave, Suite F-103 is easily accessible from the 405, 55, and 73 freeways.
Crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. IV sedation and nitrous oxide are also available for patients who prefer additional comfort. Post-operative discomfort is generally mild to moderate and is well managed with over-the-counter ibuprofen and prescription pain medication for the first 2 to 3 days. Most patients describe the recovery as significantly easier than they expected. Dr. Ahn uses microsurgical techniques and PRF therapy to minimize tissue trauma and accelerate healing.
Initial healing takes about 7 to 14 days, during which swelling and mild discomfort gradually subside. Sutures are typically removed at 7 to 10 days. Most patients return to work within 1 to 2 days after the procedure. The gum tissue reaches its final, stable position in approximately 3 to 6 months, which is why your dentist will wait before placing the final crown or restoration. For cosmetic crown lengthening, the full aesthetic result is typically visible within 3 to 4 months as the tissue matures.
Functional crown lengthening is performed when a tooth is broken, decayed, or worn down below the gum line and there is not enough tooth structure exposed above the gum for your dentist to place a crown, bridge, or other restoration. The goal is to expose more of the tooth so the restoration can be properly seated and sealed. Cosmetic crown lengthening, also called gummy smile correction, is performed when excess gum tissue covers too much of the teeth, making them appear short or creating an uneven gum line. The goal is to reshape the gum line and underlying bone to reveal more natural tooth structure and create a balanced, symmetrical smile.
Crown lengthening involves both soft tissue (gum) and hard tissue (bone) reshaping. A board-certified periodontist like Dr. Ahn has completed 3 additional years of surgical residency training specifically focused on the tissues surrounding teeth, including bone recontouring, flap management, and tissue healing biology. General dentists may perform soft tissue trimming (gingivectomy), but this often grows back because the underlying bone was not addressed. A periodontist reshapes both the bone and gum tissue to create a stable, long-term result. Board-certified periodontists have also passed rigorous examinations demonstrating mastery of these procedures.
Functional crown lengthening typically costs $1,200 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the complexity and number of teeth involved. Cosmetic crown lengthening for gummy smile correction ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 for the full smile zone (typically 6 to 10 teeth). These fees include the surgical procedure, local anesthesia, and follow-up visits. Many PPO dental insurance plans cover functional crown lengthening because it is medically necessary for tooth restoration. Cosmetic crown lengthening is generally not covered by insurance. The Loft Dental Studio also offers financing through CareCredit and accepts FSA/HSA funds.
Functional crown lengthening is often covered in part by PPO dental insurance plans because it is considered a medically necessary procedure to enable tooth restoration. Coverage typically ranges from 50 to 80 percent of the allowed fee, depending on your plan. Cosmetic crown lengthening for gummy smile correction is generally considered an elective procedure and is not covered by dental insurance. The Loft Dental Studio accepts most major PPO dental plans including Delta Dental, Cigna, MetLife, Guardian, Aetna, United Healthcare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment so you know your out-of-pocket cost in advance.
After functional crown lengthening, the gum tissue needs approximately 6 to 8 weeks to heal and stabilize before your general dentist places the final crown or restoration. In some cases, Dr. Ahn may recommend waiting 3 months to ensure the tissue has fully matured and will not shift after the crown is placed. Rushing the final restoration before the tissue stabilizes can result in poor crown margins, gaps between the crown and gum, and future problems with decay or gum disease around the restoration. Dr. Ahn coordinates directly with your referring dentist to determine the optimal timing.