Exclusively Periodontics & Procedures in Implant DentistryCrown Lengthening
If a patient has an excess of gum tissue in a certain area or throughout their entire mouth, it can make their smile appear overly “gummy” and short. Significant portions of the teeth may also be covered, which can make certain restorative procedures somewhat difficult to perform successfully. In these situations, crown lengthening may be the ideal solution, and Dr. Davis is an excellent choice for this specialty procedure here in the Plattsburgh, NY area. Please contact Adirondack Periodontics today if you’re interested in scheduling a consultation.
What are the Restorative Benefits of Crown Lengthening?
If the patient has a cavity that extends below the gum line, providing restorative care can be a tricky prospect, as the dentist will be unable to tell whether or not the decay has been fully removed. Additionally, placing a new, custom-made restoration (such as a dental crown) may fail if there is not enough structure above the gum line to hold it successfully in place. Crown lengthening will move the gum line to a lower position and reveal the tooth’s full structure, making it easier for patients to achieve quality, long-lasting restorative improvements.
What are the Cosmetic Benefits of Crown Lengthening?
Many patients find themselves unhappy with an overly “gummy” smile, as their teeth will appear unnaturally short or uneven because of the excess tissue. Dr. David can use aesthetic crown lengthening to create a much more balanced and healthy appearance by precisely recontouring their natural gum line. You’ll be able to show off your smile with confidence!
How Does Crown Lengthening Work?
The span of time that crown lengthening will require typically depends on how many teeth are involved and how much gum tissue there is to recontour. Dr. Davis’ first step will be to create a series of small incisions around the affected teeth. The point of this is to successfully separate the gum tissue from the teeth and the jawbone. Even if the patient believes that only one of their teeth actually require crown lengthening, we typically think that it’s a good idea to also treat the tissue around neighboring teeth, as this will create a more even improvement.
In most cases, Dr. Davis will need to eliminate a minor amount of natural gum tissue and bone tissue from the patient’s oral structures. We will use special instruments for this portion of the procedure to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Once our team is satisfied with the results we’ve achieved, the gum tissue will be reattached to the teeth and held in place with minor sutures.
Following the patient’s procedure, our team can recommend pain medication and mouth rinses for helping to reduce harmful bacteria in the healing gum tissue. If the patient has undergone crown lengthening for restorative purposes, the teeth will likely be ready for treatment in five to six weeks.