Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that may be performed for several reasons. The process usually involves exposing more of the tooth’s surface for cosmetic or oral health concerns.
Here is a comprehensive guide to crown lengthening offered by the dentist in Weston, MA. Keep reading to know more about the procedure.
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a type of minimally invasive oral surgery that involves removing the excess gum tissue and some bone around the upper teeth to make them look longer. It is a common surgical procedure that is performed if the gum line is uneven, negatively impacting your smile symmetry.
When is crown lengthening indicated?
Crown lengthening may be performed for:
Aesthetic reasons
- Having extra gum tissues, as seen in patients with a gummy smile, can make the teeth look unnaturally short.
- Removal of excess gum tissues can restore and improve the aesthetic appearance of your smile.
Restoration of damaged teeth
- Most often, periodontal disease, dental decay, and trauma can cause severe damage to the teeth.
- Crown lengthening becomes necessary when the damage occurs below the gum line, which makes it difficult to access the area for restoring the damaged teeth.
Fabrication of dental crowns
- Due to insufficient space between the crown and jawbone, dental crowns can harm the gum tissues and the underlying bone.
- Crowns with a good fit allow better oral hygiene and comfort.
What benefits does a crown lengthening procedure offer?
The crown lengthening procedure offers a cascade of procedures, such as:
- Reduces the risk of caries by eliminating extra gum tissue that may inhibit regular brushing in those areas.
- It improves your smile by evening out an inconsistent gum line that is too high and hides your pearly whites.
- Supports a filling or a crown by setting the gum line in a proper position to seal the gums to the restoration.
How is the crown lengthening procedure performed?
The procedure is as follows:
Your dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb it and ease pain and discomfort. A small incision or cut will be made near the gum tissue, and a flap will be raised. The excess gum tissue will be cauterized; if necessary, a small portion of the bone will also be removed. The surgical area will be disinfected, and the incision site will be sutured.
Wrapping up
Crown lengthening can be an effective solution for improving both the function and aesthetics of your smile. However, it is essential to consult your dentist or a periodontist to determine if it is the right option for your specific dental needs.
