Crown Lengthening
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that aims to remove excess gum tissue from around teeth. This helps to reveal more healthy tooth structure and a larger, brighter smile. It is often performed on patients who have short or "gummy" smiles. It may even be helpful for patients who have excess gum tissue in an area where a dental crown needs to be placed and isn't fitting properly.
Why is Crown Lengthening needed?
If you've lived your whole life with a "gummy" smile, you may be looking for a way to feel more confident in your appearance. Crown lengthening is a simple and highly effective procedure that can be helpful with reducing the amount of gum tissue covering your teeth. Once the procedure is done, you'll have a brighter and larger smile that is more natural looking. It's not uncommon for some patients to need a crown lengthening done on just one or two teeth before another procedure is done, like a dental crown or fixed bridge.
Who is a candidate for Crown Lengthening?
We will perform an examination to help determine if you might benefit from a crown lengthening. Because of how simple the procedure is, most people who need to have it done can safely benefit from surgery. Crown lengthening can be both restorative and cosmetic in nature. It is not uncommon for patients to want to undergo this surgery simply because they do not like the way that their teeth look.
What happens during the procedure for Crown Lengthening?
The procedure begins with a consultation and discussion about the type of anesthetic or sedation you'd like. We then administer the sedative of choice and begin by removing excess gum tissue. The gums are then contoured so that they look natural rather than bluntly straight across each tooth. Once this is done, you will be given aftercare instructions to help keep the area clean and allow it to heal properly. Your gums will then heal over the course of a few weeks and you'll benefit from a fuller, healthier-looking smile.
If you think you may benefit from crown lengthening and want to know more about the procedure, call us today to speak with one of our knowledgeable staff members.