Crown lengthening is a type of oral surgery that reduces the amount of a patient’s gum tissue and exposes more of the patient’s tooth material.
This procedure can be used in a number of circumstances. Some patients pursue crown lengthening for purely aesthetic reasons, such as eliminating a “gummy smile,” while others may need the surgery to uncover enough tooth material to support a restoration, such as a crown or filling.
Crown lengthening may also be needed in cases of broken or severely decayed teeth in which there is minimal remaining tooth material below the gumline.
Crown lengthening is a valuable procedure for improving the smile’s appearance and enhancing the stability of the teeth.
In performing oral surgery, such as crown lengthening, small incisions are made in the gums to pull tissue away from the tooth’s roots. Sometimes, it will be necessary for the surgeon to remove bone material surrounding the roots, as well, in order to achieve the desired appearance.
After all the necessary tissue has been removed, the oral surgeon will place the gums back together at the desired height.
The patient will receive a local anesthetic prior to the crown lengthening, which is performed in an outpatient setting. Patients are out of the office within a few hours, and they experience minimal discomfort.
Some patients will find that they are able to manage post-operative pain with over-the-counter painkillers, but others may need prescription strength medications. After a crown lengthening procedure, patients will also need to make minor adjustments to their routines, such as using a softer tooth brush and eating softer foods for the first few days after the surgery.
Patients who undergo crown lengthening in anticipation of a restoration will need to give the gum tissue sufficient time to heal. It usually takes about three months to heal fully from a crown lengthening.
Crown lengthening is a valuable procedure for improving the smile’s appearance and enhancing the stability of the teeth.
To find out how you can benefit from the crown lengthening procedure, call our Keller office at 817- 379-1654 to schedule a consultation. Our oral surgeons serve the Dallas metroplex in three convenient locations!
