CROWN LENGTHENING
WHAT DOES CROWN LENGTHENING ACCOMPLISH?
Crown lengthening is one of the many specialized surgical procedures that can be performed by a periodontist. There are 2 reasons to crown lengthen 1) Cosmetic for a gummy smile 2) Functional crown lengthening procedure. The goal of functional crown lengthening procedure is to expose more of the tooth structure so it is possible to restore the tooth with decay below the gum or a fracture in a tooth. It is a straightforward procedure, but it is still a procedure that is best done under the care and guidance of a skilled and experienced periodontist.
DENTAL CARE SERVICES
Our team here at Loop Perio has helped many of our patients, many of whom come to us looking for help with saving a tooth, with crown lengthening procedures. Results are often very aesthetically pleasing and can last for many years, so long as proper dental care is continued after the procedure.
HOW IS THE PROCEDURE DONE?
The time the procedure takes varies depending on the number of teeth that need the procedure and if both soft tissue and bone need to be shaped. Most people receive local anesthesia and may receive an oral sedative if they are overly nervous. The periodontist moves the gums away from the teeth, exposing the roots and bone. In some cases, only excess gum tissue needs to be removed. They suture the gums back together, occasionally a bandage is placed over the area for additional protection”.
You will be given medication to help control pain. A week or two after the crown lengthening surgery, the stitches will be removed. Your gums will still need a few weeks to finish healing before new crowns can be placed. Your dental team will let you know when you are healed enough to return to your dentist to complete your restoration.