Crown lengthening with osteotomy is a surgical procedure that reshapes both gum tissue and underlying bone to expose more of a tooth's surface. Unlike a simple gingivectomy, an osteotomy removes a small portion of the jawbone to maintain the biologic width and ensure stable dental restorations.
- Biologic width: Reserves 2–3 mm of space between bone and restorations to prevent chronic inflammation.
- Surgical techniques: Clinics offer laser-assisted osteotomy for 7-10 day healing or traditional scalpel-based approaches.
- Restorative foundation: Provides necessary tooth structure to secure crowns or bridges after deep decay or fractures.
- Cosmetic correction: Reduces excess bone and gum tissue to eliminate a gummy smile and lengthen teeth.
Bookimed Expert Insight: While traditional bone reshaping takes 4–6 weeks for initial stabilization, choosing a clinic that uses laser-assisted osteotomy, such as Ulusoydent Oral&Dental Care Clinics, can reduce recovery to just 7 days. This is critical for international patients because it allows for the final crown placement within a single 14-day trip rather than requiring two separate visits months apart.
Patient Consensus: Patients report manageable swelling but emphasize using desensitizing paste before the procedure to handle temporary air sensitivity. Most find the results worth the 1-week soft-food diet to achieve a more proportional, healthy-looking smile.