Crown lengthening in Palma de Mallorca
Crown lengthening is minor surgery on the gum, and sometimes the bone, that reveals more of the tooth surface. It is done for two reasons: to be able to restore a tooth that is broken or decayed below the gum line, or to improve the look of a smile in which the teeth appear short.
We carry it out at Udemax Miramar and Emardental, in Palma, under local anaesthetic and after a prior assessment to find out how much gum and bone needs reshaping. Your first visit is free.
To restore the tooth or improve the smile
Painless during surgery
Until the stitches are removed
First visit and diagnosis
Have you been told you need crown lengthening? Book an appointment
We assess the tooth or your smile, check the gum and bone and explain the treatment and timescales.
Leave us your details and we will call you back within three hours.
What is crown lengthening?
It is a periodontal surgical technique that moves the gum line towards the root to reveal more of the tooth. For the result to be stable, a little bone almost always needs reshaping too, and that is what sets it apart from gingivectomy, which only trims the gum.
The aim is to leave the space the gum needs to stay healthy, about 3 mm, between the edge of the tooth, or the future crown, and the bone. If that space is not respected, the gum becomes inflamed or grows back.
When is it carried out?
It is recommended when:
- Decay or a fracture extends below the gum and cannot be restored properly.
- The tooth is too short to hold a crown.
- The tooth needs preparing for a crown, bridge or veneer.
- The teeth look short because the gum covers part of them.
- A gummy smile needs correcting and bone has to be reshaped.
- The gum height needs evening out between several teeth.
Functional or aesthetic crown lengthening
The technique is the same, but the aim is different:
Functional
To be able to restore a tooth. The healthy part of the tooth below decay or a fracture is exposed so the crown or filling fits properly and the gum stays healthy.
- Decay or fractures below the gum
- Teeth too short for a crown
- Before crowns, bridges or fillings
Aesthetic
To improve the smile. It is used when the gum covers part of the teeth and the bone is too close, so trimming the gum alone would not be stable.
- Gummy smile
- Teeth that look short
- Uneven gum line
Benefits of crown lengthening
Saves teeth
It allows teeth to be restored that would otherwise have to be extracted.
Long-lasting restorations
Crowns and fillings fit better and last longer.
Healthy gums
Respecting the space the gum needs prevents inflammation around the crown.
Easier to clean
It removes hard-to-clean areas next to the edge of the restoration.
More balanced smile
With aesthetic crown lengthening, the teeth regain their visible size.
Worth bearing in mind
It is an irreversible procedure and, in some cases, the tooth may end up slightly longer or more sensitive. That is why it is planned in detail and assessed case by case.
How is crown lengthening carried out?
Assessment
We examine the tooth, measure the gum and take X-rays to see where the bone is. From this we plan how much needs reshaping.
Surgery
Under local anaesthetic, we lift the gum, reshape the bone as needed and reposition the gum at its new height with a few stitches.
Healing and restoration
We remove the stitches after 7-10 days. Before placing the final crown we wait for the gum to settle, usually a few weeks, or a little longer in visible areas.
Aftercare following crown lengthening
For good healing:
- Take the painkillers and medication we prescribe.
- For the first few days, eat soft, lukewarm foods on the other side.
- Don't brush the treated area until we tell you to; use the mouthwash we prescribe.
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol while it heals.
- Apply cold to the outside of your face for the first few hours if there is swelling.
- Call us if bleeding does not stop, or if there is severe pain or fever.
Crown lengthening or gingivectomy?
Both reveal more of the tooth, but they are not the same. Gingivectomy only trims the gum and is enough when there is excess gum and the bone is at the right distance. Crown lengthening also reshapes the bone, and it is needed when the bone is too close: otherwise the gum would grow back.
The prior X-ray and examination tell us which technique you need. More information on our aesthetic gingivectomy page.
Who will treat you
Crown lengthening is carried out by Dr Emilio Martínez-Almoyna Rifá, dentist and surgeon specialising in periodontics and mucogingival surgery.
Where we carry out crown lengthening
We provide crown lengthening at two of our clinics in Palma: Udemax Miramar and Emardental.
Periodontics
Udemax Miramar
Outpatient department, Hospital Juaneda Miramar
Camí de la Vileta, 30 · 07011 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–20:00
By car
Paid parking at the Hospital Juaneda Miramar car park, a one-minute walk away, plus street parking. There is also free parking on Camí de la Vileta, about a 10-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 6, 8 and 29, stopping at "Policlínica", in front of the hospital.
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi ranks at Camí de la Vileta, 51 and Carrer de Pasqual Ribot, 1.
Periodontics
Emardental
Carrer d’Alfons el Magnànim, 2, ground floor
Bons Aires · 07004 Palma
- Monday to Thursday
- 9:00–13:00 · 16:00–20:00
- Friday
- 9:00–13:00
By car
Street parking and the Santa Pagesa underground pay car park (Carrer d’Ausiàs March, 26), a 4-minute walk away. There is also a pay car park at s’Escorxador, about a 5-minute walk away.
Go to the car parkBy bus
EMT bus routes 12, 20, 24 and 40, stopping at "Pl. d’Abú Yahya", "Alfons el Magnànim" or "31 de desembre".
View bus routeBy taxi
Taxi rank at Plaça d’Abú Yahya, 2.
Frequently asked questions about crown lengthening
Does crown lengthening hurt?
Not during the procedure, as it is done under local anaesthetic. Afterwards there may be some discomfort and swelling for a few days, which is managed with painkillers.
How long is the recovery?
Stitches are removed after a week to ten days, and most people carry on as normal from the next day. The gum takes a few weeks to settle completely.
Is it long-lasting?
Yes. Because the bone is reshaped as well and the space the gum needs is respected, the result is stable in the long term.
When can the crown be fitted?
Once the gum has settled, usually after a few weeks. For very visible teeth we usually wait a little longer to ensure a good aesthetic result.
What is the difference from gingivectomy?
Gingivectomy only trims the gum. Crown lengthening also reshapes the bone, and is needed when the bone is too close to the edge of the tooth.
Are there any risks?
It is a common and safe procedure. There may be temporary sensitivity, and the tooth may end up slightly longer. We plan it so the result is both functional and aesthetic.
How much does crown lengthening cost in Palma?
It depends on the number of teeth and whether bone needs reshaping. At your free first visit we give you a detailed quote, and you can finance your treatment.