Midtown Atlanta & Sandy Springs Functional Crown Lengthening

Precision-driven care to make every restoration possible

Patient during CBCT scans at Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics

Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics team with a happy patient

Restore gum health with precise contouring

At the Atlanta Center for Advanced Periodontics, our board-certified specialists perform functional crown lengthening in Midtown Atlanta and Sandy Springs to help patients whose teeth can’t be properly restored due to excess gum tissue or bone.

This procedure removes a small amount of gum and bone to expose more of the natural tooth structure. It’s often necessary when decay, fractures, or deep cavities extend below the gumline, preventing your dentist from securely placing a crown, bridge, or filling.

By improving access and creating a stable foundation, functional crown lengthening protects your oral health, prevents future complications, and ensures lasting, predictable results for your restorations.

Schedule a consultation today.

Midtown: (404) 876-4867
Sandy Springs: (770) 442-1010

Dr. Brock Pumphrey and Dr. Rosemary Davis smiling in a modern dental office

Elite credentials. Exceptional care.

Dr. Pumphrey and Dr. Davis are among the few periodontists in Atlanta who are board-certified in periodontology. Their expertise ensures precise, comfortable, and high-quality functional crown lengthening procedures in Midtown Atlanta and Sandy Springs.

Meet Our Team

Restores access for treatment

Exposes enough healthy tooth structure so your dentist can properly fit a crown, bridge, or filling.

Prevents further damage

Removes bone or gum tissue that may be trapping bacteria or preventing proper healing.

Supports long-term stability

Creates a strong foundation for restorations, improving their fit, function, and longevity.

Addresses decay or fractures below the gumline

Allows your provider to effectively treat cavities or broken teeth that would otherwise be inaccessible.

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How functional crown lengthening works

Quick and comfortable treatment: Most procedures take under two hours and are completed using local anesthesia.
Tissue adjustment: Small incisions are made to gently separate the gum tissue from the teeth, exposing more of the tooth surface.
Bone reshaping (if needed): In some cases, a small amount of bone is adjusted to ensure the restoration will fit securely and naturally.
Immediate results: The tooth becomes accessible for your restorative dentist to continue treatment. Sutures and a protective dressing are placed to aid healing.
Smooth recovery: Initial healing occurs within 1–2 weeks, with full recovery in about 4–6 weeks. Follow-up visits ensure stable, predictable results.

Everyone was nice, professional and able to answer any questions I had. If you want people who are passionate and care about your wellbeing, look no further.

-Sabrina

Do I need functional crown lengthening?

You may benefit from this procedure if you:

Have a fractured or decayed tooth below the gumline
Don’t have enough visible tooth structure to support a new crown or filling
Have been told by your dentist that gum tissue or excess bone is impeding the placement of a restoration
Need to ensure the long-term success of a dental restoration

If you’re unsure whether this procedure is right for you, schedule an evaluation with one of our board-certified periodontists.

Dr. Brock Pumphrey showing x-rays to a patient

Questions? Find the Answer

What is a functional crown lengthening?

Our Midtown Atlanta & Sandy Springs functional crown lengthening is a restorative periodontal procedure that removes small amounts of gum tissue and bone to expose more of your natural tooth. It’s often essential when damage or decay extends below the gumline and prevents your dentist from placing a restoration properly.

How is functional crown lengthening different from cosmetic crown lengthening?

Functional crown lengthening is performed for restorative and health-related reasons, while cosmetic crown lengthening is elective and focuses on aesthetic improvements. Our Midtown Atlanta and Sandy Springs periodontists specialize in both, but will recommend the functional approach when treatment is necessary for restoration.

How long does recovery take after functional crown lengthening?

Initial healing typically takes 1–2 weeks, with full recovery within 4–6 weeks. Our specialists schedule follow-up visits to monitor your healing before your dentist completes the final restoration.

Who needs functional crown lengthening?

Patients who require a dental crown, bridge, or filling but don’t have enough visible tooth structure benefit most from this procedure. It’s ideal for those with deep cavities, fractured teeth, or bone coverage that limits restoration access.

Is functional crown lengthening painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia for comfort. Most patients experience mild post-operative soreness, easily managed with the care instructions provided by our team.

What are my payment options for functional crown lengthening in Sandy Springs or Midtown Atlanta?

We are a non-contracted provider and do not accept insurance payments directly. However, we are happy to submit the claim to your insurance for possible reimbursement following your appointments.

For your convenience, we also offer flexible financing through Cherry, making it easier to manage treatment costs with simple, affordable payment plans.

Apply online:
Sandy Springs patients: Apply with Cherry
Midtown patients: Apply with Cherry

More questions? Give us a call:

Atlanta: (404) 876-4867

Sandy Springs: (770) 442-1010