Gummy Smile Treatment in Kennewick, Yakima & Walla Walla
If too much gum shows when you smile, you may feel self-conscious—even if your teeth are healthy. At EW Implants & Periodontics Center, we offer expert gummy smile correction through esthetic crown lengthening, a precise surgical technique that reshapes your gumline for a more balanced, confident smile.
Treatment is available in our Kennewick, Yakima, and Walla Walla offices, performed by board-certified periodontist Dr. Abdullah Alkanan.
What Is Esthetic Crown Lengthening?
Esthetic crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure that adjusts the height and shape of the gum tissue—and sometimes underlying bone—to expose more of your natural tooth structure. This procedure is commonly used to treat:
- Gummy smiles where excess gum covers the upper teeth
- Short-looking teeth due to gum overgrowth
- Uneven gumlines that affect smile symmetry
- Patients preparing for veneers or cosmetic dentistry
At EW Implants & Periodontics Center, we use advanced surgical techniques to ensure the final gumline is healthy, symmetrical, and esthetically ideal.
Expert Care from a Gum Specialist
As a board-certified periodontist, Dr. Abdullah Alkanan has extensive experience in both functional and esthetic soft tissue surgery. His approach to crown lengthening balances clinical precision with artistic attention to facial esthetics.
Why patients trust us for gummy smile correction:
- Specialist in gum tissue & bone architecture
- 3D imaging to plan your smile and facial profile
- Minimally invasive techniques for faster healing
- In-house IV sedation available for comfort
- Proven outcomes in esthetic smile transformations
This procedure is performed entirely in-house with no need for referrals, and your results are designed to last for years.
What to Expect from Gummy Smile Treatment
Crown lengthening is a quick outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia or sedation. Here’s how it works:
- Consultation & Digital Assessment
We examine your smile, take digital images, and design a custom treatment plan based on your tooth-to-gum ratio. - Gumline Recontouring
Dr. Alkanan gently removes excess gum tissue and reshapes the gumline for esthetic balance. In some cases, a small amount of bone is also removed to support the new contour. - Healing & Results
Most patients return to daily activities within 1–2 days. Full healing takes a few weeks, with final gumline results visible soon after.
This treatment may also be used in combination with laser dentistry or cosmetic procedures depending on your goals.
When Crown Lengthening Makes Sense
Gummy smile correction isn’t just cosmetic—it can also make future dental treatments more successful. You may be a candidate if:
- Your upper teeth appear short or hidden
- Your gums rest too low over your teeth
- You’re planning cosmetic veneers or restorations
- You want a more proportionate, balanced smile
- Your dentist referred you to a gum specialist for evaluation
We’ll guide you through every detail of the procedure during your consultation and provide honest recommendations based on your needs.
Trusted Esthetic Periodontal Care in Eastern Washington
Our practice focuses exclusively on periodontal and implant care, offering surgical precision and personalized attention across our three Eastern Washington locations:
- Kennewick: Serving Richland, Pasco, and the greater Tri-Cities
- Yakima: Serving Selah, West Valley, and Terrace Heights
- Walla Walla: Serving College Place and Milton-Freewater
We offer a calm, private setting and flexible scheduling to make the process easy from start to finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, and we offer IV sedation for enhanced comfort. Mild soreness is common afterward and easily managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
How long does recovery take?
Most patients return to work or school within 1–2 days. The gum tissue fully heals in a few weeks, with the final results visible after the swelling subsides.
Will the gums grow back?
No. Once the excess gum and bone are removed and reshaped, the results are typically permanent—provided you maintain good oral hygiene and overall dental health.
Is this procedure only for cosmetic reasons?
No. Crown lengthening can also improve access to decay or damage below the gumline and make room for crowns or fillings, making it a functional procedure as well.
Can I combine this with other cosmetic treatments?
Yes. Many patients undergo crown lengthening as a precursor to veneers or full smile makeovers. We’ll coordinate with your general or cosmetic dentist as needed.
Have more questions?
Our team is ready to discuss your implant options and address your concerns
