Crown Lengthening in Oxnard
If your dentist has told you there isn't enough tooth showing to hold a new crown, or you feel your smile shows more gum than tooth, you may have heard the term crown lengthening. For patients in Oxnard, our team at 805 Dentistry offers this procedure through the periodontics side of our practice. A board-certified periodontist on staff performs it, and you don't need a referral to schedule.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes the bone beneath it, to expose more of a natural tooth. The tooth itself doesn't get longer. We simply uncover more of the healthy structure that is already there. This matters because a crown, filling, or other restoration needs enough solid tooth to grip securely and seal properly.
We see a range of situations that call for it. A tooth may have broken off near the gumline, or decay may extend below the gums where it can't be reached. An older crown may need replacing on a tooth with very little structure left above the tissue. For some patients the goal is cosmetic: gums that cover too much of the teeth can make them look short. In those cases, crown lengthening works alongside our cosmetic gum contouring to create a more balanced smile.
Many of our Oxnard patients come to us already knowing they need a crown or a restoration. Crown lengthening often makes that next step possible. Because we offer general, restorative, cosmetic, and specialty care within one practice, you won't need to coordinate between separate offices to finish your treatment.
Having an on-site dental lab and a full restorative team under the same roof keeps the steps connected. The team that prepares your gums communicates directly with the team planning your crown. For families in Oxnard, it can also be easier to bring everyone's dental care to a single practice. We see children and adults of all ages.
Am I a good candidate for crown lengthening?
You may be a good candidate if a tooth doesn't have enough exposed structure to support a restoration, or if excess gum tissue affects how your smile looks. The only way to know for certain is a careful evaluation. That's why every case begins with an exam and imaging.
At your first visit, we review your health history and examine the tooth and surrounding gums. We also take images. Our practice provides 2D and 3D dental imaging, including CBCT imaging, which helps us understand the bone and root structure before recommending anything. If crown lengthening isn't the right fit, we'll talk through other options. We may also find that gum health needs attention first, through treatments such as scaling and root planing or other gum disease care.
What happens during the procedure?
Crown lengthening is an in-office procedure performed by our periodontist. You'll know what to expect at each step before we begin. Local numbing keeps the area comfortable. For patients who feel anxious about dental work, our board-certified dental anesthesiologist offers nitrous oxide, oral sedation, IV sedation, and general anesthesia.
During treatment, we carefully reshape the gum tissue around the tooth. When needed, we also adjust the bone to create proper space between the bone and the future edge of the restoration. A typical visit and recovery include:
- A review of your treatment plan and comfort options
- Numbing and, if chosen, sedation
- Reshaping of gum tissue and, when needed, supporting bone
- Placement of stitches or protective dressing as appropriate
- Clear written aftercare instructions before you leave
What is recovery and aftercare like?
Most patients find recovery manageable when they follow their aftercare plan closely. We'll give you specific instructions for cleaning the area gently, choosing foods, and managing any tenderness. Every case is a little different, so your guidance will be tailored to the work we did.
The gums need time to heal and settle before a final crown or restoration is placed. We'll schedule follow-up visits to check your progress and decide when the tissue is ready. During that time, our restorative team plans the next step. If something feels off between visits, please call us. We offer emergency dental appointments, and we would much rather hear from you early.
How can I pay for crown lengthening?
We accept all major PPO insurance plans, and we welcome self-pay patients. Because periodontics claims are filed as specialist care, we'll help you understand how your plan applies before treatment begins.
If you'd like to spread out the cost, financing is available. Our team will walk you through your options so you can make a comfortable decision. Oxnard patients are welcome to contact 805 Dentistry to schedule an evaluation with our team, led by Dr. Dar Radfar, DDS.