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Enhance Your Smile, Boost Gum Health, and Elevate Your Appearance
Crown lengthening is a common procedure used to improve gum health and prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic treatments. It can also address a "gummy" smile by removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of the natural tooth. This process involves reshaping the bone and gum tissue and can be performed on one tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire gum line, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile.
The significance of crown lengthening
Crown lengthening is a popular and versatile procedure that offers numerous benefits and applications. Patients who undergo this surgery are often highly satisfied with the outcomes. Here are some of the primary reasons why crown lengthening is commonly recommended:
Restoring damaged teeth: Periodontal disease, trauma, and decay can cause extensive damage to the teeth. When the teeth are broken below the gum line, crown lengthening is a recommended procedure to prepare for a new restoration. This procedure effectively corrects the damage and restores the functionality of the teeth.
Cosmetic uses: Excessive gum tissue can give the appearance of unnaturally short teeth and increase the risk of periodontal infections. By removing the excess gum tissue, a more balanced and healthy smile can be achieved, improving overall appearance.
Dental crowns: Crown lengthening is a preventive procedure that creates space between the dental crown and the jawbone below, protecting the gums and bone from potential damage during the placement of a new crown.
Could you provide a detailed explanation of the steps involved in the crown lengthening procedure?
When it comes to crown lengthening, the procedure is typically done under local anesthesia. The length of the procedure will depend on the number of teeth involved and whether any bone removal is necessary. Before the procedure, any existing dental crowns will be removed and then replaced.
To create space between the gums and teeth, your dentist will make small incisions around the soft tissue. Even if only one tooth needs reshaping, adjacent teeth are usually treated for a more symmetrical result. This allows the dentist to access the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.
In some cases, removing a small amount of tissue is enough to expose the tooth for crown placement. However, there are times when a small amount of bone may need to be removed around the teeth. Special hand instruments and rotary instruments, similar to those used in cavity treatment, are used for this bone removal.
After the surgery, the gums will be repositioned to give the appearance of longer teeth. An intraoral bandage will be applied to secure the surgical site and prevent infection. Your dentist may prescribe pain medication and provide a chlorhexidine mouth rinse to reduce bacterial growth. Typically, it takes about two to three months for the surgical site to fully heal.
