What is Dental Crown Lengthening: Procedure, Preparation, and Benefits
What is Dental Crown Lengthening?
A crown is the tooth part visible above the gum line. Dental crown lengthening is a procedure for re-contouring the gum and bone tissue to expose a more significant crown part. The method may be performed for cosmetic purposes or dental restoration processes. Continue reading to learn about dental crown lengthening.
Who Needs Dental Crown Lengthening?
Our dentist in Kingwood, TX recommends this procedure to:
- Expose cavities that have occurred beneath the gum line due to dental plaque and tartar. The dentist removes all plaque and tartar to prevent cavities or gum disease.
- Address cosmetic concerns such as a gummy smile, usually caused by excess gum tissue. A periodontist or dentist removes the excess gum tissue covering teeth. This makes them appear longer for a more beautiful smile.
- Show areas of a tooth broken or fractured due to dental trauma. The tooth gets repaired to prevent the crack from spreading to the tooth roots as it may lead to dental pulp infection.
- Expose a larger tooth structure to place a dental bridge or artificial crown successfully.
Preparing for a Crown Lengthening Procedure
Contact a dentist near you once you have decided to go for crown lengthening. The dentist will schedule a consultation for you. During the appointment, you will discuss your health history with the dentist. Then, the dentist will evaluate your mouth and health to determine if the procedure is suitable for you.
Your dentist will assess your gums, teeth, and jaw bone. The exams help the dental expert ensure that you have healthy gums and excellent overall health for faster recovery. It also helps them decide on the most appropriate treatment plan and technique. The technique choice is influenced by aesthetic goals, root crown ratio, the position of the teeth, and the presence of bone loss.
Once the dentist ascertains the procedure’s suitability, they will perform a pre-surgical analysis. It determines the new location of your gum line after the re-contouring. You will be notified of what to expect through the next step of the procedure and recovery.
Procedure of Dental Crown Lengthening
Your dentist will perform a crown lengthening procedure based on the personalized treatment plan. The first step is the administration of local anesthesia and a sedative. Next, they ensure that you do not feel any pain and remain relaxed throughout the procedure. Next, any artificial crowns on the teeth to be treated are removed.
The dentist may perform gingivectomy, surgical extrusion, or apically repositioned flap surgery. Gingivectomy involves removing the excess gum tissue. The periodontist will use lasers, electrically heated instruments, or a scalpel. Surgical extrusion is carried out if the tooth is cracked or fractured below the gum. The method involves repositioning the tooth and re-stabilizing it.
The other method requires the dentist to make a cut in the gums and create a flap of its tissue. This flap is lifted to eliminate excess gum and bone tissue. Next, the flap is repositioned towards the tooth root and stitched. Finally, the dentist will clean the surgical site and then place a bandage over it for protection.
The period of the procedure varies based on the number of teeth treated and the type of technique used. Dental crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure. You can go home once the sedative wears off.
After the procedure, you can expect minor bleeding and swell on the treated area for a few days. The dentist will prescribe medicines and mouthwashes to aid in recovery. In addition, you may use a cold compress on the site to help with the pain and swelling. You must consume a soft diet during the recovery period and rinse your mouth after each meal to keep away bacteria.
Benefits of Dental Crown Lengthening
Following are the benefits of the dental crown lengthening procedure:
- Improves your smile
- Helps you achieve a more symmetrical smile
- Improves self-confidence and esteem
- Saves a fractured or broken tooth
- Reduces the risk of cavities and gum disease
- Assists in other dental procedures such as dental bridges or dental fillings
- It takes a single fast treatment
- It improves oral health
Visit a Dentist Near You
Searching for crown lengthening in Kingwood, TX? Call us or book an appointment with Houston Oral Healthcare Specialists for getting dental crown lengthening in Houston.