Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that involves adjusting the amount of tooth structure exposed above the gumline. This procedure removes excess gum tissue and/or bone to uncover more of the tooth, making it appear longer. Crown lengthening can be done for cosmetic purposes or as part of restorative dental treatments.

Why is Crown Lengthening Performed?

1. To Restore a Damaged Tooth

When a tooth is decayed or broken beneath the gumline, there may not be enough tooth structure exposed for placing a crown, filling, or other restoration. Crown lengthening helps uncover more of the tooth, making it easier to restore it effectively.

2. Cosmetic Reasons (Gummy Smile)

Some individuals have a gummy smile, where too much gum tissue is visible when smiling, making the teeth look shorter. Crown lengthening reshapes the gumline, exposing more of the teeth and giving the appearance of a more balanced and aesthetic smile.

3. Preventing Future Issues

If a tooth does not have enough structure above the gumline, crown lengthening can be performed to prevent issues like tooth decay or difficulty fitting dental restorations. It is especially important when preparing for crowns, bridges, or other treatments.

How Crown Lengthening Works

Consultation and Assessment:

During the consultation, your dentist or periodontist will examine your gums and teeth. They may take X-rays to assess the underlying bone structure. This helps determine how much gum tissue needs removal and if bone removal is necessary.

Anesthesia:

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia to numb the treatment area. For more complex cases or patients with dental anxiety, sedation may be used.

Procedure Steps:

1. Gum Tissue Removal: The dentist makes small incisions in the gum tissue to access the underlying tooth and bone. Excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the tooth.

2. Bone Reshaping (if needed): If the tooth is deeply embedded beneath the gumline, the dentist may need to remove a small amount of bone around the tooth to expose more of the structure.

3. Closure and Healing: After exposing the desired amount of tooth structure, the gums are sutured back into place. These sutures will dissolve on their own after a week or two.

Post-Procedure Care

Pain Management:

Mild discomfort is common, but over-the-counter pain relievers usually manage it. Stronger medications may be prescribed if necessary.

Swelling and Bruising:

Mild swelling and bruising around the treated area are typical but usually subside in a few days.

Soft Foods:

To minimize irritation, patients are advised to eat soft foods for a few days after the procedure.

Follow-Up Appointments:

A follow-up visit is scheduled a week or two after the procedure to monitor the healing progress and remove any non-dissolvable stitches.

Oral Hygiene:

Maintaining oral hygiene is crucial to prevent infection. Your dentist may recommend a special mouthwash or provide instructions for gentle brushing to avoid disturbing the treated area.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

1. Improved Aesthetic Appearance

For those with a gummy smile, crown lengthening exposes more of the teeth, creating a more proportional, balanced, and aesthetic smile.

2. Restoration Support

Crown lengthening allows the dentist to expose enough healthy tooth structure to restore a decayed or damaged tooth with a crown or other restoration.

3. Enhanced Functionality

By uncovering more of the tooth structure, crown lengthening ensures that teeth can be properly restored, especially in cases of severely damaged teeth.

4. Prevention of Future Problems

In cases where there is insufficient tooth structure above the gumline, crown lengthening helps prevent future issues such as infection or decay by making it easier to place dental restorations.

Potential Risks and Complications

Though crown lengthening is generally a safe procedure, some potential risks include:

• Infection: As with any surgical procedure, infection is a risk, but it can be minimized with proper care and antibiotics if prescribed.

• Bleeding: Some bleeding is common after the procedure, but it typically resolves quickly.

• Scarring: Although the procedure is performed with precision, minor scarring of the gum tissue is possible but fades over time.

• Tooth Sensitivity: After crown lengthening, teeth may feel more sensitive to temperature changes or touch. This usually subsides as the gums heal.

Is Crown Lengthening Right for You?

Crown lengthening might be the ideal solution if:

• You have a gummy smile and want a more aesthetic and balanced smile.

• You need more tooth structure exposed to place a crown or other restoration.

• Your teeth are severely decayed or damaged beneath the gumline and need restoration.

• You are looking for a long-term solution to prevent future oral health problems, such as decay or difficulty restoring teeth.

If you are considering crown lengthening, consult with our dentist or periodontist to determine if the procedure is right for you and how it can help address your specific needs.

Please, call for the consultation. (425) 430 - 2029