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A tooth fractured below the gum
There is tooth left, but not where anything can reach it.
Crown Lengthening in Katy, TX
Crown Lengthening
Reshaping the gum, and sometimes the bone, to expose more of a tooth. Either because a crown has nothing to hold onto, or because the gum covers too much of the smile.
Is this you
Is this the treatment you need?
Most patients arrive here having been told they need it before something else can happen. A few arrive because of the gummy smile.
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A gummy smile
Excess gum tissue covering too much of the teeth, so they look short.
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A restoration needs better access
A crown, bridge or veneer that cannot be fitted properly as things stand.
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Periodontal concerns
Where better gum contouring would improve the health of the tissue, not just its shape.
A foundationNot an end in itself
Most crown lengthening is done so that something else can be done properly afterwards.
The Treatment
What it is, and what it involves.
What is crown lengthening?
A surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue — and sometimes the bone underneath it — to expose more of the tooth. The bone part is what separates it from simple gum reshaping.
In the practice’s words
Crown lengthening is a dental surgical procedure that reshapes the gum tissue — and sometimes underlying bone — to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It’s commonly performed to prepare a tooth for a crown or bridge, to improve the esthetics of a gummy smile, and to assist with other restorative dental treatments.
Restorative procedures like dental crowns, bridges, or veneers rely on sufficient tooth structure. Crown lengthening ensures that restorations fit securely and perform well long-term. By removing a small portion of the gum and bone, Dr. Dave Chocreates the perfect environment for durable and beautiful dental restorations.
Crown lengthening, against gum contouring
- Gum contouringReshapes the gums only, for cosmetic improvement. No bone is touched, and it heals faster.
- Crown lengtheningMay involve bone adjustment, to create space for a restoration and improve how the tooth functions.
- Which one you needDecided by whether the goal is appearance alone or a foundation for something. Dr. Dave Cho will tell you which yours is.
Why Here
What the practice brings to it.
This is surgery on the gum and the bone around a tooth you intend to keep. How carefully it is done decides how the result looks in five years.
Customized to the tooth
Every procedure tailored to your dental needs and your smile goals, rather than a standard amount removed.
Cosmetic and restorative both
Dr. Dave Cho works across both, which matters when a functional procedure has a visible result.
Minimally invasive
Careful tissue and bone reshaping, for faster healing and less discomfort.
Modern equipment
Accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment. Some cases are done with the laser.
The foundation is right
Whether you are heading for a crown, a veneer or an implant, this is what makes it fit securely.
One practice, whole plan
The lengthening and the restoration that follows it are done under the same roof, by the same person.
Your dentist
Dr. Dave Cho, DMD
Dr. Dave Cho is direct about the risks of this one, which are minor but real, and about which of them are actually the intended outcome.
- 5Reasons it is performed
- 4Things to do beforehand
- 3Risks, all minor
Also on the teamDr. William Sung, DMDFellow of the Academy of General DentistryThe risks, stated plainly
Crown lengthening is generally safe, and like any procedure it carries minor risks:
- Temporary tooth sensitivity. The newly exposed surface was under the gum until now.
- Slight changes in smile symmetry where multiple teeth are involved. This is why the planning matters.
- Teeth appearing longer. Listed as a risk, though in cosmetic cases it is the entire point — worth knowing which category you are in before you agree.
Dr. Dave Cho takes every precaution to minimise the risks and maximise the result.
The Path
What happens, step by step.
Evaluation
Your oral health assessed, and a procedure planned to what you actually need — functional, cosmetic, or both.
Preparation
Often a deep cleaning first to clear plaque and tartar, plus a review of medications that could interfere with healing.
The procedure
Gum tissue reshaped, and a small amount of bone where the case calls for it. Under local anaesthetic.
Healing
The tissue settles into its new contour. Some sensitivity on the newly exposed surface is normal and temporary.
Then the restoration
Once healed, the crown, bridge or veneer this was done for can be fitted properly.
Start at step one.
If another dentist has said a tooth cannot take a crown, this is the appointment that says whether that is still true.
Book an appointmentOr call (281) 769-8878
Preparing
Four things that decide how well it heals.
What Dr. Dave Cho may ask you to do first.
Before the procedureAfterwards
A deep cleaning, to clear plaque and tartar.The tissue heals over a clean surface.
Certain medications discontinued.Healing is not interfered with.
Stopping smoking.Blood reaches the gum and recovery is faster.
Health conditions disclosed.Anything affecting healing is planned around.
The practice puts it simply: good preparation results in faster recovery and better outcomes.
What it is usually done for
Crown lengthening is rarely the destination. It is the step that makes the destination possible.
- A crownThe commonest reason. There has to be enough tooth above the gum for one to hold.
- A bridgeSame requirement, on the teeth that will carry it.
- A veneerWhere the gum line is what is making the tooth look wrong. See smile makeovers.
- An implantGetting the surrounding tissue right before the restoration goes on.
The Cost
What it costs, before it starts.
Because this is nearly always a step towards something else, it is quoted as part of that plan rather than on its own.
Part of the planQuoted together
The lengthening and the restoration it enables, priced as one course of treatment.
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What moves the number
How many teeth, and whether bone reshaping is needed as well as gum.
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Insurance and financing
Functional cases are treated differently from purely cosmetic ones by most plans. See insurance and financing.
The Proof
What Katy patients say about being here.
Dr. Cho and his team are fantastic. They are thoughtful and kind. Always making sure you are okay. It’s easy to see how much they care about their patients. The attention to detail is impressive, whether it’s for invisalign or teeth whitening. Recently got dental veneers, and I’m loving the new smile. They really go above and beyond to make sure of your comfort.
The staff here is super friendly and informative. Just had my cleaning and exams done, and they were thorough without being rough. The dental filling went really well, didn’t hurt one bit, and they took extra care to ensure it looked great. Overall, a very clear and calm vibe in the office. Highly recommend checking them out for your family dentistry needs.
Reem Almekhlafi
Very friendly staff and were willing to help in every way! Felt more comfortable here than at any other dentist office in the past, highly recommend!
Gabriel Sanchez
Great, Jenn and Dr Cho are very kind and communicative. Clean and friendly clinic
Ammaar Ahmed
Questions
Questions patients ask before they decide.
What is the difference from gum contouring?
Gum contouring reshapes the gums only, purely for cosmetic improvement. Crown lengthening may also involve adjusting the bone, to create space for a restoration and improve how the tooth functions. Dr. Dave Cho will tell you which your case needs.
Will my teeth look longer afterwards?
Yes, and that is usually the intention — particularly in cosmetic cases where a gummy smile is the reason for the procedure. It is worth being clear before you agree whether you are in the functional or the cosmetic category.
Is it painful?
The procedure is done under local anaesthetic, and the practice uses minimally invasive tissue and bone reshaping specifically to promote faster healing and minimal discomfort. Temporary sensitivity afterwards is the commonest complaint.
Why do I need this before a crown?
Because a crown needs enough tooth structure above the gum line to hold onto. Where a tooth has fractured below the gum, or too little is exposed, the restoration will not fit securely or last. This creates that foundation.
What should I do beforehand?
Dr. Dave Cho may recommend a deep cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, discontinuing certain medications that could interfere with healing, stopping smoking, and discussing any health conditions that may affect recovery. Good preparation means faster healing and a better outcome.
Are there risks?
Minor ones: temporary tooth sensitivity, and slight changes in smile symmetry where several teeth are involved. Both are planned around, and the practice states them openly rather than after the fact.
The Invitation
Ask about this one.
If you have been told a tooth is unrestorable, get a second look. Sometimes the answer is not an extraction but a few millimetres of gum.
- Hours
- Mon to Wed 9am to 6pm
Thu 9am to 5pm
Fri to Sun Closed - Emergencies
- Call the practice. We keep same day slots for pain, breaks and knocked out teeth.
