Crown Lengthening in Bakersfield, CA

Why You Might Need Crown Lengthening

A few common situations bring patients into our office:

• Decay or Fractures Below the Gumline: When damage extends beneath the gum, we need to access it before we can treat it properly. Crown lengthening uncovers that hidden area completely.
• Restorative Dentistry Needs: Before placing a crown or filling, your tooth often needs more exposed structure for the restoration to fit securely.
• Gummy Smile: A gummy smile occurs when excessive gum tissue shows above the upper teeth while smiling. Crown lengthening is a direct fix for this ratio of gum to tooth.
• Tooth Extraction Prevention: In some cases, exposing additional healthy tooth structure allows us to restore a tooth that might otherwise require extraction. We always look for ways to preserve your natural teeth first.

Functional vs. Aesthetic Crown Lengthening

We offer two distinct approaches depending on your needs. Functional crown lengthening prepares a tooth for restoration. We may reshape small amounts of supporting bone to expose the right amount of tooth structure. This creates the base that your crown or filling needs to stay in place.

Aesthetic crown lengthening is about the look of your smile. We sculpt excess gum tissue to improve symmetry and correct a gummy smile. The result is a more even, proportional smile line.

Many patients benefit from both approaches at once. We will explain which option fits your specific case.

What to Anticipate During Your Procedure

Your visit will begin with a thorough evaluation. We’ll carefully examine your teeth, gums, and the bone around them. Digital imaging allows us to plan your treatment with precision. Before starting the procedure, Dr. Saifee or Dr. Sanger will completely numb the area. They will gently lift the gum tissue to reveal the supportive structure beneath.

Excess tissue is trimmed, and bone is reshaped if your case requires it. Once the gum is repositioned, we suture the area to support proper healing. Most procedures finish in a single visit. We typically use local anesthesia, so you stay comfortable throughout.

What Happens During Recovery

Most patients experience little to no discomfort after this procedure. Mild swelling is common during the first few days. Over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage any soreness well. We remove sutures and any protective dressing after one to two weeks.

Your gums will continue settling into their final position over the following weeks. If you’re getting a new crown, timing matters. We typically wait four to six weeks, depending on your case, before taking final impressions for your restoration. This gives your gum tissue time to fully heal and stabilize.

Why Choose Dr. Saifee and Dr. Sanger for Your Crown Lengthening Procedure in Bakersfield, CA

Crown lengthening requires precision around delicate gum and bone tissue. Dr. Saifee trained at Harvard School of Dental Medicine, with advanced expertise in full-mouth reconstruction.

Dr. Sanger started placing implants as a general dentist back in 1990. She later chose to focus entirely on periodontics and implant care. That decades-long shift toward specialization shapes how precisely she handles delicate gum tissue today.

Both dental professionals understand that crown lengthening sits at the intersection of function and confidence. A tooth needs structure to support a lasting restoration, and a smile needs balance to feel natural. We work toward both outcomes for every patient.