A Beginners Guide to Dental Crown Lengthening

Your smile matters. If your teeth appear short, your periodontist can suggest crown lengthening to improve your smile. Crown lengthening entails removing excess gum tissue and sometimes bone around the upper teeth to make them appear longer.

Besides improving your smile, crown lengthening may be necessary for therapeutic reasons. The procedure is typically standard and can be performed by a periodontist or dentist. The only major downside is that the procedure involves surgery, so the recovery takes a little time.

Reasons to Get Crown Lengthening

There are many reasons why crown lengthening may be necessary. These include:

• Repair Teeth –

  If your teeth are damaged below the gum line, whether from trauma, cavities, or gum disease, your dentist can perform crown lengthening to expose the tooth for repair.

• Gummy Smile –

  Even with good oral health, the gums can cover too much of your teeth, making them appear short. With a crown lengthening, your teeth will appear normal, giving you a brighter and confident smile.

• To Place a Crown –

  To repair tooth damage with a dental crown, a patient might not have enough room for the crown to fit over the tooth properly. If a crown is attached in these conditions, it can cause gum damage, discomfort, and inflammation. Crown lengthening ensures there is enough space for the crown to fit over the tooth perfectly, reducing the risk of damage.

• To Shape the Gum Line –

  If your gum line is uneven, where some teeth appear shorter than the others, crown lengthening may be performed to produce a more symmetrical smile.

While crown lengthening is ideal for multiple dental conditions, it might not be appropriate for everyone. For this reason, anyone interested in the procedure has to first undergo a dental exam to determine whether they are a good candidate for it.

During the exam, your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth, gums, and bone. If you have good oral and overall health, you’ll likely qualify for a crown lengthening procedure. For a dental checkup near you, contact Quincy Dental Associates.

Crown Lengthening Surgery

Crown lengthening is a standard procedure that is completed in a single visit to the dental office. Before the surgery, your dentist will evaluate your medical history and take x-rays of your gums, teeth, and mouth.

During the surgery, the dentist begins by administering local anesthesia to keep you relaxed and pain-free. Next, the dentist makes small incisions to the gums to pull them away from the teeth. The dentist then removes the excess gum tissue and sometimes a tiny bit of bone if there’s too much of it covering the teeth. Next, the dentist sterilizes and sutures the gums. After that, you’ll be able to go home.

What to Expect After Crown Lengthening

After surgery, side effects such as minimal bleeding, sensitivity, swelling, and pain are expected. While rare, complications such as infections, severe pain, and excessive bleeding may be experienced. If the side effects don’t lessen after taking the prescribed medication, inform your dentist immediately.

To promote faster healing and recovery, a proper oral care routine is essential before and after surgery. Also, make sure you follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions strictly to prevent complications.

Crown Lengthening Aftercare

After surgery, it will take several months for the area to heal completely. For optimal recovery, use these tips to care for your mouth:

• Rest for the next 48 – 72 hours. Strenuous activity can cause too much strain, leading to complications
• Apply an ice pack to reduce pain and swelling
• Avoid hot, spicy, and cold goods and beverages to prevent bleeding and sensitivity
• Hydrate well and eat soft foods such as eggs, soaps, and yogurt
• Do not use tobacco for the next 5-7 days. Tobacco has a chemical that slows down healing
• Take medication as directed by your dentist
• Avoid sucking or running your tongue over the treated gums
• Schedule regular dental exams and cleanings
• Brush and floss daily
• Schedule follow-up meetings with your dentist to monitor your progress

Final Verdict

If your dentist or periodontist has recommended crown lengthening, there’s isn’t much to worry about as the procedure is safe. If you need crown lengthening services or have any dental health concerns, Schedule a dentist appointment at Quincy Dental Associates to schedule a consultation appointment.