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Crown Lengthening in Tinley Park, IL

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When a tooth is too short to support a crown, or when excess gum tissue makes teeth appear small and uneven, crown lengthening offers a reliable solution. This precise surgical procedure reshapes the gum line, and sometimes the underlying bone, to expose more of the natural tooth structure, making it one of the most versatile treatments in periodontics.

At North Creek Dental Care, board-certified periodontist Dr. Charles H. Goodman performs crown lengthening for both functional and cosmetic purposes. Our periodontist in Tinley Park provides personalized care in a comfortable, welcoming environment, and North Creek Dental Care is a proud two-time Southland’s Best Dental Office winner for 2024, 2025, and 2026.

Complimentary Consultations Available

Fix a Gummy Smile or Prepare for a Crown -- In-House in Tinley Park

North Creek Dental Care's board-certified periodontist Dr. Charles Goodman performs crown lengthening for both restorative and cosmetic needs -- no outside referral required.

  • Board-certified periodontist on staff -- Dr. Charles Goodman DDS MS
  • Crown lengthening for restorative and cosmetic gummy smile correction
  • Most PPO insurance accepted -- financing available
Request a Consultation(708) 532-4131
Patient consultation for crown lengthening at North Creek Dental Care in Tinley Park
Dental treatment technology used during a crown lengthening procedure

What Crown Lengthening Involves

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that removes or reshapes excess gum tissue, and sometimes a small amount of bone, to expose more of the natural tooth beneath. It can be performed on a single tooth, several teeth, or the entire gum line, depending on the goal of treatment.

Patient smiling during a dental consultation at North Creek Dental Care

Reasons Crown Lengthening May Be Recommended

Dr. Goodman recommends crown lengthening for a range of restorative and cosmetic needs, including:

  • Preparing a tooth that is broken below the gum line for a crown or filling
  • Correcting a gummy smile where excess tissue makes teeth appear short
  • Creating enough space between the jawbone and a new crown so the restoration does not irritate surrounding tissue
  • Improving access to treat decay or damage near the gum line
Patient receiving crown lengthening treatment at North Creek Dental Care

What to Expect During and After Your Procedure

Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia in a single office visit. Dr. Goodman makes a series of small incisions to separate the gum tissue from the teeth, then reshapes the gum line and, when needed, a small amount of underlying bone. Existing crowns are removed before the procedure and replaced immediately afterward. The treatment site is closed with sutures, and most patients experience only mild swelling or tenderness that resolves within a few days. Full healing of the gum tissue generally takes four to six weeks.

Coordinated dental care between periodontist and general dentist at North Creek Dental Care

Coordinated Care at North Creek Dental Care

Once your gum tissue has healed, your general dentist at North Creek Dental Care can place a permanent crown or complete the restorative work your evaluation identified, all within the same familiar office. This coordination between Dr. Goodman and your general dentist means fewer appointments and no gap in communication about your treatment plan.

Confirm Before You Proceed

What to Do if You Think You Need Crown Lengthening

If your dentist has told you a tooth lacks enough structure for a crown, or if you feel self-conscious about a gummy smile, the next step is a periodontal evaluation with Dr. Goodman to confirm whether crown lengthening is the right approach. According to the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, surgical treatment can become necessary when deeper gum and bone issues remain after nonsurgical care, which is why an accurate evaluation matters before any procedure is planned.

Schedule Your Evaluation
Happy senior couple enjoying time together after dental treatment

Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening

Most crown lengthening procedures are completed in a single office visit under local anesthesia. The exact length depends on how many teeth are involved and whether any bone reshaping is needed.
Crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia, so patients are comfortable throughout. Mild soreness or swelling for a few days afterward is normal and typically managed with over-the-counter pain relief.
Most patients see visible healing within one to two weeks, though the gum tissue fully settles into its final position over four to six weeks. Dr. Goodman will let you know when your tooth is ready for a permanent crown.
Both. Dr. Goodman performs crown lengthening to prepare teeth for restorations such as crowns or fillings, and also to correct a gummy smile for purely cosmetic reasons.
No referral is required. You can schedule a periodontal evaluation directly with Dr. Goodman, whether your general dentist recommended crown lengthening or you are exploring your options on your own.
Many PPO dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for crown lengthening when it is medically necessary to prepare a tooth for restoration, though purely cosmetic cases may not be covered. Our team can help verify your specific benefits, and we also accept CareCredit, Proceed Finance, and HSA and FSA accounts.

Schedule Crown Lengthening at North Creek Dental Care

Whether your crown lengthening is needed to prepare a tooth for restoration or to improve the appearance of a gummy smile, Dr. Goodman has the surgical training and experience to deliver precise, lasting results. North Creek Dental Care is a proud Southland’s Best 2024, 2025, and 2026 winner trusted by patients across the Tinley Park area.

Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and find out if crown lengthening is the right next step for your smile.

Child smiling during pediatric dental visit at North Creek Dental Care in Tinley Park

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