Do I Need Crown Lengthening?
Crown Lengthening
During a dental dentist, it may be suggested that you undergo a crown lengthening procedure. This is a surgical procedure which focuses on reshaping the gums. The goal of the treatment is to expose additional surface area of the tooth. In some cases, the procedure may also be performed in order to restore a tooth which is damaged below the gumline. Following the restoration, the tooth is able to properly support a crown.
In order to bond with a crown, the gums need at least 2 millimeters of surface area. In addition to bonding to the tooth, this also helps prevent the accumulation of plaque or debris at the gumline. If there is not adequate tooth surface area available, it can compromise the restoration or cause complete failure.
Candidates for Crown Lengthening
Patients may be curious if they need a crown lengthening. The procedure is used for various dental issues. Some of the most common issues which require crown lengthening are summarized below:
- Teeth appear to be short resulting in a gummy smile
- Severe tooth decay below the gumline
- Tooth which is broken or fractured below the gumline
A tooth with a severe decay or fracture has a reduced amount of healthy surface area. The limited area can impact the success of a tooth restoration because of the limited surface area. Crown lengthening exposes additional healthy surface area of the tooth to increase the likelihood for a successful restoration. The additional surface area to work with improves the ability for the dental appliance to remain in place and ensures they do not fall off the natural tooth.
Procedure
Crown lengthening is a relatively common procedure which is performed in dentistry. The procedure can typically be performed at an outpatient facility in less than an hour. Prior to the procedure, patients are often fit for a temporary crown. A temporary crown helps protect the damaged tooth while the gums heal. The permanent crown can usually be placed within about a following the crown lengthening procedure.
The procedure is commonly performed by a periodontist or gum specialist. These are dentists with special training in issues related to the gums. A local anesthetic is used to ensure patients remain comfortable during the procedure and do not experience any pain. There are other methods of sedation which can be used for patients with severe anxiety. The dental professional will then remove and reshape the gums surrounding the affected teeth. In some cases, specialized surgical instruments are also used to recontour the underlying bone tissue. The gums are adjusted to ensure they are symmetrical in their appearance and the correct length needed to accommodate a dental appliance or restoration.
Recovery
Patients will likely experience some slight pain and minor swelling following the procedure. Over-the-counter medications and an ice pack can typically manage any discomfort and swelling. Patients should avoid using tobacco or smoking during the recovery period. Patients should avoid consuming hot foods or drinks for the first 24 hours as the gums will be incredibly sensitive. Most patients are able to return to work and eat soft foods one day after surgery. Strenuous activity should be avoided for at least two days. Within a week or two, the stitches will be removed. The periodontist will schedule another follow-up appointment within a month or two to ensure the gums are healing properly. Once the gums have fully recovered, the patient is ready to have the permanent restoration placed.
Patients who are interested in learning more about crown lengthening should call the office today. The team can help determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure and discuss next steps.