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TREATMENTS

Crown Lengthening

Are you feeling self-conscious about a gummy smile or dealing with teeth that seem too short for effective restoration?

Crown lengthening might be the answer you need to achieve a more aesthetically pleasing smile and ensure your dental work fits perfectly. 

Crown Lengthening Treatment in Edinburgh

Crown lengthening is a procedure that involves removing excess gum tissue and sometimes reshaping the underlying bone to expose more of your tooth structure.

This procedure not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your smile but can also be an essential step before placing crowns or other restorative treatments.

The process is designed to be minimally invasive, with a focus on your comfort and achieving natural-looking results.

Crown Lengthening in Edinburgh

Is this the right treatment for you?

If you’re considering crown lengthening, it’s essential to understand if this procedure aligns with your dental needs and goals. Here’s a closer look at whether crown lengthening might be the right choice for you: 

Find out if crown lengthening is right for you by booking a consultation with our team.

The Procedure

How does crown lengthening work?

Understanding the process of crown lengthening can help you feel more confident and prepared. Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect during the procedure: 

  1. Initial Consultation: Your journey begins with a consultation where your dentist will evaluate your dental health, discuss your concerns, and determine if crown lengthening is the appropriate solution for you. This is the time to ask questions and set expectations. 
  2. The Procedure: During the procedure, your dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area, ensuring you are comfortable and pain-free. Excess gum tissue will be carefully removed, and if necessary, the underlying bone will be reshaped to expose more of your tooth. This is done with precision to achieve the best results. 
  3. Recovery: After the procedure, you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions. Most patients experience manageable soreness and can return to their daily activities relatively quickly. Following the instructions provided is crucial for optimal healing and results. 

Reshape Your Gumline

Good to Know

Here are some essential details to help you understand what crown lengthening involves and what you can expect: 

  • Procedure Comfort: Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia, which means you should experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-operative soreness is common but usually manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers. 
  • Aesthetic Improvement: By exposing more of your natural teeth, crown lengthening improves the overall appearance of your smile. This makes your smile more proportionate and attractive, enhancing your confidence. 
  • Restoration Fit: If you’re preparing for crowns or bridges, crown lengthening ensures that there’s sufficient tooth structure to support these restorations. This leads to a better fit, improved function, and longer-lasting results. 

Whether it’s for aesthetic purposes or a preparatory step for crowns and fillings, crown lengthening can make a big difference in both appearance and function.

The Benefits of Crown Lengthening

What Our Patients Are Saying

Inverleith Dentalcare place picture
4.9
Based on 349 reviews
Clara Gore profile picture
Clara Gore
2 years ago
What a great gentle experience! Thank goodness for a lovely dentist
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billy darling
2 years ago
Outstanding service as always
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Amanda Robbins
2 years ago
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Thomas Chan
2 years ago
David is very gentle and considerate with his patients. He explained every steps during the treatment. Very satisfied.
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Gordon Clayton
2 years ago
Although a double appointment with the Hygienist is not my idea of fun, Rihanna and her Assistant were as usual very pleasant and took care to carry out the various procedures with care and ensure my comfort and provide good advice for future dental hygiene. Inverleith Dental practice can be recommended for care. .
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chris fowles
2 years ago
I had an excellent hygiene appointment today with Brianna and Peter. They were very professional and the level of cleaning was second to none. I appreciated the advice that was given at the end of the appointment regarding my at home care. Thanks!
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Brian Mulholland
2 years ago
I had a great experience at Inverleith Dentalcare. John McAleavey was very thorough during my check-up and used a camera system to create a 3D scan of my teeth, showing where plaque had built up, which was really helpful. Briana, the hygienist, did an excellent job, leaving my teeth feeling very clean. Overall, I was very pleased with the service and would recommend Inverleith Dentalcare, especially John and Briana.
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Iwona Walkowiak
2 years ago
I was able to secure an emergency appointment as a new patient and was impressed by the friendly and welcoming reception staff. The dentists were both positive and highly professional, ensuring a smooth and painless removal of my wisdom tooth. Thank you so much for the exceptional care. I highly recommend their services.
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Dona Easton
2 years ago
I cannot recommend this practice highly enough! It is a delight to visit. I am treated with courtesy, friendliness and respect from the reception staff. Likewise, my excellent dentist - Dr Chris Fowles, who is highly skilled and takes time to explain all the procedures to me, often on screen, which ensures my complete understanding of all my treatments.
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David Wilson
2 years ago
Excellent service. Emergency appointment as lost a filling away from home. Staff were exceptionally helpful and supportive. From Reception through to Treatment it was a very positive experience. Should I move to Edinburgh I would be extremely happy to apply to join their books. Many thanks David Wilson
Jean Kenyon profile picture
Jean Kenyon
2 years ago
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David Neilson
2 years ago
Great dentistry. I would definitely recommend.
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Susanne Goetzold
2 years ago
Really happy with this dental practice. Chris Fowles is an excellent dentist. He takes time to explain treatment and options and also explains what he is doing during check ups and treatments, so nothing comes as a surprise. Great for anxious patients. He also has a great sense of humour. Staff always really friendly and helpful.
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Mariam Aziz
2 years ago
I would very highly recommend the Inverleith Dental clinic. They are very professional and really knowledgeable. The admin staff is very helpful and will get you the information that you need to make a decision abo the best treatments you need. Dr. John McAleavy is excellent. He was also very knowledgeable about my TMJ issues and he was really understanding during the appointment and he sign posted me to the tools I needed; this made me feel that he cares about my progress and the best outcome for my case. Overall, I had a great experience and I can confidently say that will come back to Inverleith for any follow ups and future dental needs.
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mattias nuella
2 years ago
The staffs were nice and big ups to Dr. Chris, my consultation session with him was good and he was friendly.
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Sandra Johnson
2 years ago
Could not ask for better treatment! Thank you so much for all your care, attention and kindness for my son Jay who is having treatment with Chris Fowles he has Cerebral palsy and cannot make it up the stairs so they use a room downstairs to support Jay, Chris has been so thoughtful and makes Jay feel at Ease and explains everything he is doing before he does it this really means a lot. Highly recommend to anyone.
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Jo Nash
2 years ago
I met with Dr John McAleavey as a new patient for a consultation about my complex dental health situation. I'm a nervous patient and was instantly at ease on entering the practice. John really listened to my background story and quickly spotted the source of my problems that had been missed by other dentists. My assessment was the most rigorous I've ever received, yet very gentle. John took the time to explain everything thoroughly and clearly. I left the practice with a sense of peace that I'd found the answers I'd been seeking, and confident I was in the hands of expert professionals. I'd recommend them to anyone.
I was anxious before my first appointment with Inverleith Dental - my dentist of 25 + years had retired and I needed a practice nearer home - but I should not have worried! The welcome from the receptionist was lovely - The initial conversation with the dentist was very helpful - I learned about the ethos of the practice and felt I was being listened to - in addition this chat took place before the mouth examination so I was not in the reclining position which can put the patient at a disadvantage! The receptionist was most helpful with my mobility problems on leaving The beautiful Georgian building is a bonus
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Ookii Neko
2 years ago
I found Inverleith Dentalcare as I needed emergency dental treatment. They were very accommodating and managed to allocate an appointment the next day. Their service is second to none with professional and caring staff, dentists take the time to explain the procedure to the patient, and use modern standard techniques, materials and treatments. Worth every recommendation.

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Our Dentists

JOHN MCALEAVEY

GDC: 258192
John is one of the restorative and cosmetic Dentists at the practice. John is experienced with complex restorative cases, TMJ issues, and bruxism.

CHRIS FOWLES

GDC: 257683
Further training in the fields of Aesthetic Dentistry, Orthodontics, Invisalign® and Facial Aesthetics allows Chris to provide a holistic approach to your care.

MELISSA MANSON

GDC: 264169
Originally from Edinburgh, Melissa returned to her hometown after qualifying from the University of Dundee in 2016.

Your Questions Answered

Crown Lengthening FAQs

Local anaesthesia is used to numb the area, so you should experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Post-procedure soreness is usually manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. 

Healing typically takes a few days to a week, but full gum recovery may take a few months. During this period, we’ll guide you on care to ensure a smooth recovery.

Yes, many clients opt for crown lengthening to improve their smile’s symmetry or reduce a “gummy” appearance.

Crown lengthening can be customised to one or multiple teeth as needed, whether for cosmetic adjustments or restoration preparation.

Soft foods are recommended for the first few days to avoid irritation. Avoiding hot, spicy, or acidic foods initially is also advised.

Yes, in most cases, crown lengthening is a one-time procedure designed to deliver lasting results.

Why Choose Inverleith Dentalcare?

Our team have performed countless dental treatments and have decades of combined experience. You’re in safe hands with us.

Free Smile Consultation

Our patients can have a free in-house consultation for orthodontics or teeth replacement solutions.

Trusted By Our Patients

Our patients trust us - we average a 4.9/5 star Google rating from our patients across Edinburgh and beyond.

Highly Experienced Dentists

Our clinical team undergoes continuous training to stay at the forefront of modern dentistry, ensuring you receive the best care possible.

Proven Track Record

With countless successful treatments and happy patients, our results speak for themselves, ensuring you’re in trusted hands.

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Dr. John Mcaleavey

Dentist

GDC No 258192

John is one of the restorative and cosmetic Dentists at the practice. John is experienced with complex restorative cases, TMJ issues, and bruxism.

He likes his clients to be well informed and comfortable while in the chair. John is passionate about photography and uses this to explain treatments with high definition shots.

Dr. Chris Fowles

Dentist

GDC No 257683

When you meet Dr. Fowles, you will quickly notice that he cares about his patients and is committed to achieving the best possible results. Chris received his Bachelor of Dental Studies from the University of Dundee, graduating with highest distinctions in academics, research, and patient care.

Further training in the fields of Aesthetic Dentistry, Orthodontics, Invisalign® and Facial Aesthetics allows Chris to provide a holistic approach to your care. Using the latest techniques in Digital Dentistry, he enjoys involving you in the design of a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Devoted the highest quality of work and your experience, he will make you feel relaxed throughout your journey.

Dr Melissa Manson

Dentist

GDC No: 264169

Originally from Edinburgh, Melissa returned to her hometown after qualifying from the University of Dundee in 2016. Known for her warm and approachable manner, she is dedicated to providing high-quality dentistry and has a talent for putting nervous patients at ease. Melissa is committed to advancing her skills through ongoing professional development, having completed a postgraduate certificate in Restorative Dentistry alongside additional training in Endodontics, composite bonding, and minimally invasive dentistry.

She takes pride in creating tailored treatment plans to help patients feel comfortable and confident throughout their journey.

Outside of work, Melissa enjoys being active outdoors, whether it’s hiking, skiing, or cycling. She also has a creative side and loves botanical illustration, painting, and other artistic pursuits.