I agree that dentists are after your money. However, concerning crown lengthening, I just had one 4 days ago. It took 1 hour and I had next to no bleeding or pain after the local anesthetic wore off. I took ibuprofen the first day and then did not need it. This is just my experience with it, but the after effects (?) were not bad. Also next to no swelling.

I also agree that dentists may be after your money -- more dentists now are trying to do procedures typically performed by specialists... if you are going to have something done that is related to your gums you should go to a gum specialist -- a periodontist. Crown lengthening historically was done by periodontists so becareful...

I have heard horror stories about dentists performing procedures in which they have not had extensive training. You don't want that nightmare.

I think that your Dentist is probably correct in saying that you need the crown lengthening.

However, it is a surgical procedure and should not be taken lightly. I had it done almost a week ago and I have moderate pain still from it.

During the crown lengthening they cut away some of the gum in order to expose more of the tooth so that the new crown will have something to grip onto. It also helps prevent future problems with that tooth.

All in all I think that if your dentist recommends it, then you should go to a Periodontist and have it done.

As this thread is more than 2 years old, it is officially closed.