Minimal Waiting Times
Secure prompt & timely care with minimal waiting times within 5 weeks at our Neutral Bay & Newcastle clinics. This will guarantee that any periodontal and implant issues you may have will be treated promptly.
Expert Guidance from a Leading Authority
Exceptional Patient Care
Rest easy knowing that we prioritise the highest quality of patient care and services, ensuring your comfort, well-being, and satisfaction throughout your treatment journey.
Precision for Long-Lasting Results
Our treatments are meticulously performed to reduce the chance of infection and relapse, providing you with precise care that yields enduring outcomes for your oral health.
Highest Quality Equipment
Our clinic is equipped with state-of-the-art tools and technologies, enabling us to provide you with the most advanced and effective gum disease treatment available.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes gum tissue — and, where necessary, the underlying bone — to expose more of the natural tooth surface. A specialist periodontist performs the procedure under local anaesthetic using a minimally invasive, microsurgical approach.
There are two main reasons a periodontist performs crown lengthening. The first is functional: a tooth may have too little structure visible above the gumline for a crown to attach securely. This can happen when a tooth fractures below the gum margin, when decay extends into the root, or when the tooth is structurally short. Crown lengthening exposes sufficient tooth structure so the restorative work can proceed. The second reason is aesthetic: some patients have a ‘gummy smile’ where excess gum tissue obscures the natural length of the teeth. Removing that tissue creates a more proportionate, natural-looking smile. Both indications are treated with the same surgical approach, though the extent of tissue removal differs.
When Is Crown Lengthening Recommended?
Your dentist will refer you to a periodontist for crown lengthening in several clinical situations. A tooth may have decayed or fractured beneath the gumline, making it inaccessible for a crown without surgery. The tooth may be structurally intact but too short for a crown to grip reliably. The gumline may be uneven across adjacent teeth, affecting the aesthetic result of planned veneers or crowns. Or a patient may have an excess of gum tissue — a gummy smile — that is unrelated to tooth damage but affects how the smile looks.
At Smile Specialists Suite, a thorough clinical assessment determines whether crown lengthening is appropriate and which approach — gum tissue removal alone, or gum and bone recontouring — will achieve the best result. The goal is always to expose sufficient tooth structure while preserving the health of the surrounding tissues and adjacent teeth.
A dental implant specialist will use advanced dental technology to replace missing or damaged teeth using a titanium screw and artificial tooth.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Crown lengthening is performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure. The procedure typically takes one to two hours, depending on the number of teeth involved and whether bone recontouring is required. Small incisions are made in the gum tissue to reflect it back, exposing the root surface and bone. Where excess bone is present or needs reshaping, the periodontist removes a small, calculated amount before replacing the gum tissue and securing it with sutures.
While only one tooth may require crown lengthening, neighbouring teeth are often included in the surgical area to create a gradual, natural transition at the gumline rather than an abrupt step. In cases where only soft tissue needs to be removed, the procedure is shorter and sutures may not be needed. Smile Specialists Suite uses a microsurgical approach with magnifying instruments, which supports precision and minimises disruption to surrounding tissue.
Our Sydney dental implant centre will book in for an initial consultation where we assess your teeth and gum tissue for damage. We can also take X-rays to determine if other teeth are involved and what the treatment options are.
Recovery and What Happens After Surgery
Most patients return to normal daily activity the following day. A soft diet is recommended for the first week. Brushing around the surgical area should be gentle during the healing phase; the clinical team will provide specific post-operative instructions at the time of surgery.
A review appointment is scheduled at one to two weeks to assess healing and remove any sutures. Full soft tissue healing takes approximately two to three months. Once healing is complete, patients return to their referring dentist for placement of the crown, filling, or veneer. It is important not to rush this step — placing the final restoration before the gum has fully healed can affect the long-term result.
Mild swelling and sensitivity are normal in the first few days and settle without intervention. Any pain is generally well managed with over-the-counter anti-inflammatories.
Crown Lengthening at Smile Specialists Suite
Professor Alessandro Quaranta and Dr Lizzy Hui bring over 15 years of specialist periodontal experience to every procedure. For patients seeking cosmetic periodontal surgery or requiring a tooth prepared for restorative work, the approach at Smile Specialists Suite combines surgical precision with a patient-first environment designed to reduce anxiety and support recovery.
Appointments for periodontal treatment in Sydney are available within five weeks. Both self-referrals and dentist referrals are welcome.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
Where can I find a dental implant specialist near me?
We have modern, beautiful clinics in Neutral Bay or Newcastle where we perform our expert dental implant procedures.
- NEWCASTLE
Suite 1, Level 2, 55-57 Hunter Street
Newcastle NSW 2300 - (02) 4009 1428
- admin.newcastle@smilespecialistssuite.com.au
- NEUTRAL BAY
Suite 206, 40 Yeo Street
Neutral Bay NSW 2089 - (02) 9908 5588
- admin.neutralbay@smilespecialistssuite.com.au
Frequently Asked Questions
You can click on our FAQ page for more frequently asked questions.
What is the difference between functional and aesthetic crown lengthening?
Functional crown lengthening exposes more tooth structure to allow a crown or filling to be placed securely. Aesthetic crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to improve the visual balance between the gums and teeth — commonly used to treat a gummy smile. Both procedures use the same surgical technique; the extent and location of tissue removal differ based on the goal.
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is carried out under local anaesthetic, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. Mild soreness and swelling in the treated area are expected for the first few days and typically settle with standard anti-inflammatory medication. Dr Lizzy Hui holds a Master’s in Pain Management from the University of Sydney — patient comfort is a priority throughout treatment.
How long does recovery take after crown lengthening?
Soft tissue healing takes approximately two to three months before the final crown or restoration can be placed. A review appointment at one to two weeks checks healing progress and removes sutures if applicable. Most patients are back to normal activity the day after surgery.
How much does crown lengthening cost in Australia?
The cost varies depending on the number of teeth involved, whether bone recontouring is required, and the complexity of the case. A detailed written quote is provided after the initial consultation. The initial consultation fee at Smile Specialists Suite is $398.
Can my health fund cover crown lengthening surgery?
Crown lengthening may attract a rebate under extras or major dental cover, depending on your private health insurance policy and level of cover. Contact your health fund before treatment to confirm the rebate applicable to your plan.
Do I need a referral for crown lengthening surgery?
No referral is required to book at Smile Specialists Suite. Patients can self-refer directly. If you have been referred by your dentist, your clinical records will be shared with the periodontist to assist in planning your treatment.
Where can I have crown lengthening surgery in Sydney?
Smile Specialists Suite performs crown lengthening at clinics in Neutral Bay and Newcastle, NSW. Call (02) 9908 5588 or contact the team online to arrange a consultation. Appointments are available within five weeks.