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Crown Lengthening

 

Sometimes, not enough of the tooth sticks out above the gum to support a filling or crown.

This can happen when a tooth breaks off at the gum line. It also can happen when a crown or filling falls out of a tooth and there is decay underneath. To place a filling or crown, your dentist needs to expose more of the tooth. This is done by removing some gum tissue and /or bone. Some people have a lot of gum tissue around their upper teeth. Dentists call this "gummy smile." This also can be treated with crown lengthening.

Crown lengthening is done using local anesthesia. How long it takes will depend on the number of teeth that need treatment. Even if only one tooth is involved, crown lengthening typically includes neighboring teeth, too. That allows the tissues to be reshaped gradually. If both bone and soft tissue are removed, the procedure will take longer than if only soft tissue is removed.

 

Reasons for crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a versatile and common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits.  The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.

Here are some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening:

  • Restoration of damaged teeth – Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the teeth, as can trauma and decay.  Where teeth have been broken beneath the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to prepare the area for a new restoration to correct the damaged teeth.

  • Cosmetic uses – Extra gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short, and also increase susceptibility to periodontal infections.  Removing excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and thus improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.

  • Dental crowns – Crown lengthening serves to provide more space between the supporting jawbone and dental crown.  This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once it is in place

                                     

       BEFORE                          AFTER                        GUMMY SMILE               CORRECTION

 

1.   Rinse with Peridex for 1 week after the procedure. After the first week, rinse with warm salty water and apply Oxyfresh gel liberally to the surgical area for the following 3 weeks.

2.   Brush all teeth as usual, except for the area of the surgery, until your first post-op check. It’s okay to gently brush the teeth where the surgery was done WITH A SPECIAL TOOTH BRUSH once you have your first post op.  

3.   If we have placed a periodontal dressing at your surgical site, please leave it in place until we take it out. If it does become loose prior to your post-op appointment, please remove it from your mouth. We don’t want you to accidentally aspirate (swallow) it.

4.   Eat on the opposite side of your mouth for approximately 4 weeks. Also don’t eat anything too hard or crisp, it can injure the area where the surgery was done. ( soft foods only)

5.   Be sure not to put too much stress on the teeth at the surgical site.

6.   Not sure and have questions, call us.