What You Should Know About Crown Lengthening

Crowns are teeth-shaped cappings that cover the visible portion of a natural tooth for cosmetic or structural reasons. When a tooth is cracked, fractured, or malformed, a crown may be prescribed. Additionally, a crown can be used to finish dental operations such as bridges, root canal therapy, and dental implants. Crowns must be firmly attached to the existing tooth.

Call Our Office Today at (260) 432-0561

Crown lengthening may be beneficial. Crown lengthening is a procedure performed by dental surgeons that involve recontouring the gum tissue and, in some cases, bone to expose more of a tooth’s surface for a crown. It is a relatively routine treatment that frequently takes less than an hour to conduct.

When is crown lengthening necessary?

Crown lengthening is indicated for a variety of dental problems. Crown lengthening is most frequently required for too short teeth, significant dental rot beneath the gum line, or a shattered or fractured tooth beneath the gum line.

When a tooth is severely decayed or fractured, the remaining healthy area is compromised. This affects tooth restoration success rates, as restorative dental appliances have a limited surface area to deal with. 

Crown lengthening is a technique used to increase the success rate of restorative dental appliances by exposing a more healthy surface area of the tooth. With a larger surface area to work with, dental appliances have a better chance of remaining in place and not deteriorating or going off.

What to expect

It is always critical to understand the ins and outs of the operation you are about to undergo. This will assist in managing expectations and ensuring that you consent to treatment in an informed decision. 

Before the procedure

Your dentist may provide you with a temporary crown until your operation is scheduled. In the interim, the temporary crown can preserve your tooth and facilitate the fitting of your new crown.

Prior to surgery, you will meet with the periodontist to discuss your medical history and view your X-rays. You should discuss any medications you are currently taking with your surgeon at this appointment. They’ll inform you if any of them must be discontinued throughout the process.

During the procedure

Under local anesthetic, a periodontist (gum specialist) recontours the area of gums around the tooth and the underlying bone in issue using specialized surgical instruments.

Your periodontist will recontour the gums and underlying bone until the teeth are the proper length and symmetry for successful dental appliance placement.

After the procedure

After the local anesthetic wears off, you will experience some discomfort, and your surgeon will prescribe pain medication and a particular mouth rinse to aid in the healing process.

For the first few days following crown lengthening, some swelling and bleeding are to be expected. To alleviate discomfort and swelling, the dentist may recommend putting a cold compress on the area. Consume a soft diet during recovery and rinse your mouth with water after meals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a one-time procedure in comparison with other cosmetic dental procedures. Crown lengthening can provide other dental care benefits in addition to providing a broader, more symmetrical smile. 

Crown lengthening treatments may also help prevent tooth decay by exposing more of the tooth to brushing and flossing.

Is crown lengthening worth it?

Crown lengthening decreases gum tissue and, if necessary, shaves down bone to expose more of the tooth above the gum line. A crown that is properly fitted enables improved oral hygiene and comfort. Many people seek crown lengthening to counteract a “gummy smile,” wherein the gums are visible above the teeth when they smile.

Is a crown lengthening procedure painful?

If you are undergoing a crown lengthening surgery, you will be given a local anesthetic to ensure that you experience no pain. Your periodontist will then make a small incision in the gum, exposing the tooth root and jaw bone.

How long does it take for a crown lengthening to heal?

The healing procedure following crown lengthening takes around two months and must be completed before impressing and sending the tooth or bridge abutment teeth to the lab for the creation of the crown or bridge.

Contact Smile Fort Wayne to learn more crown lengthening

Every one of us deserves to have a healthy, bright, and confident smile. A professional dentist in Fort Wayne, like Smile Fort Wayne, can assist you with deciding if you are a good candidate for crown lengthening. Contact us to schedule a consultation appointment if you have any dental or oral health issues.

Related: An Essential Guide to Porcelain Crowns
Call Our Office Today at (260) 432-0561