Crown Lengthening
Crown Lengthening
In order to expose more of the natural tooth, the periodontist can remove some of the surrounding gingival tissue so that there is enough tooth structure for a crown to be placed.
How Does It Work?
- Anesthesia: Local anesthesia is applied to ensure the patient is comfortable throughout the procedure.
- Gum and Bone Reshaping: The periodontist will gently lift the gum tissue to expose the tooth’s surface. If necessary, a small amount of bone is also removed to expose more of the tooth structure.
- Stitching: After reshaping the gums and any bone removal, the gums are repositioned and sutured in place to promote healing.
- Healing Process: The healing time for crown lengthening varies but usually takes a few weeks for the gums to fully heal and reattach to the tooth.
Why Is Crown Lengthening Necessary?
- Prepare for Restorations: When a tooth is severely damaged or decayed below the gumline, crown lengthening allows the dentist to expose more of the tooth to properly fit a crown or other dental restoration.
- Improve Aesthetics: For patients with a “gummy smile” (where excessive gum tissue covers the teeth), crown lengthening can improve the appearance by creating a more balanced smile with more visible teeth.
- Prevent Future Dental Problems: By exposing healthy tooth structure, crown lengthening helps to create a more durable surface for crowns, fillings, or other restorations, reducing the likelihood of future dental issues.
- Address Tooth Decay Below the Gumline: If a cavity or damage extends below the gumline, crown lengthening helps remove the affected area and restores the tooth to its optimal function.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
- Exposes more tooth structure to support crowns, fillings, or other restorations.
- Improves the appearance of a “gummy smile” by revealing more of the tooth and creating a more balanced smile.
- Restores functionality to teeth with significant damage or decay below the gumline.
- Helps prevent future oral health issues by providing a strong foundation for dental treatments.
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