When you need more tooth structure exposed—whether to improve a "gummy smile," prepare for a crown, or address uneven gum lines—crown lengthening offers an effective solution. At Dental Sedation Ottawa, we perform this precise surgical procedure using comprehensive sedation dentistry options—from gentle relaxation to complete sleep—so you can receive the specialized care you need without fear.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more of your tooth by removing excess gum tissue and sometimes reshaping the underlying bone. Despite its name, this procedure doesn't actually make your tooth longer—rather, it reveals more of the tooth that was previously hidden beneath gum tissue.
The procedure serves both cosmetic and functional purposes. Some people seek crown lengthening for aesthetic reasons—to create a more balanced smile when excessive gum tissue makes teeth appear short. Others need it for restorative reasons—to expose enough healthy tooth structure to properly support a crown, bridge, or filling. Sometimes both goals overlap.
At our Ottawa dental clinic, we believe no one should avoid needed care due to fear. That's why sedation dentistry is fundamental to how we approach crown lengthening.
Mild relaxation for patients with minimal anxiety. Effects wear off within minutes. Learn more about nitrous oxide
Medication creates moderate drowsiness and anxiety reduction. You'll have limited memory of the procedure. Explore oral sedation
Deeper sedation keeps you in a twilight state—profoundly relaxed with minimal awareness. Our most popular option for crown lengthening. Most patients remember nothing. Discover IV sedation
Complete sleep with zero awareness, administered by board-certified medical anesthesiologists Dr. Hesham Talab, MD MSc PhD FRCPC FASE and Dr. Asad Mirghassemi, MD MSc FRCPC. Ideal for severe anxiety or extensive crown lengthening. Learn about general anesthesia
With appropriate sedation, we can complete all necessary work in a single surgical session—one procedure, one recovery period.
Good candidates include:
Sometimes crown lengthening isn't appropriate. If the tooth root is too short, removing bone might compromise stability. Your comprehensive examination determines the best approach.
On surgery day, we start by administering your chosen sedation. Once comfortable, we thoroughly numb the surgical area. We carefully make small incisions to separate gum tissue from teeth, allowing access to the bone beneath. We remove excess gum tissue as needed, then may remove small amounts of bone to expose more tooth structure. For cosmetic crown lengthening, we sculpt the gums to create an even, attractive contour. Once we've exposed the appropriate amount of tooth structure, we reposition the gum tissue at its new level and place sutures.
Surgery Time:
First 24-48 hours: Some discomfort, swelling, and minor bleeding are normal. Take prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter pain relievers. Apply ice packs to minimize swelling. Sleep with your head elevated. Avoid strenuous activity for 3-4 days. Don't smoke.
Diet: Stick to soft, cool, or lukewarm foods for the first week. Avoid crunchy, hard, spicy, or acidic foods. Chew on the opposite side.
Oral Hygiene: Do NOT brush the surgical area for the first week. Very gently rinse with prescribed mouthwash or warm salt water starting 24 hours after surgery. After one week, resume very gentle brushing.
Healing Timeline:
Crown lengthening offers significant benefits:
Success rates reach 95%.
Crown lengthening often works beautifully with other procedures:
Crown Lengthening Costs:
Insurance coverage varies: Functional crown lengthening (needed for restorations) typically covered at 50-80%. Cosmetic crown lengthening (purely aesthetic) usually not covered.
We provide direct billing to major insurers and accept the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).
Our patients consistently rate us 5 stars for gentle, anxiety-free care. Read verified patient experiences on Google.
View All Reviews on GoogleDentist Referrals Welcome: We collaborate with referring dentists throughout Ottawa and Eastern Ontario for crown lengthening and periodontal sedation cases. Learn about our referral process
