Crown Lengthening - Restoring Your Damaged Teeth
Posted on 9/16/2024 by Dr. Gopin |
 Have you ever been told you need a crown but have insufficient tooth structure to support it? If so, crown lengthening may be the answer. This procedure can restore your damaged teeth and give you a healthy, beautiful smile.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that reshapes the gum and bone tissue around a tooth to expose more of its surface. This creates enough healthy tooth structure to support a crown, bridge, or other restoration.
Why is Crown Lengthening Needed?
There are several reasons why you might need crown lengthening:
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Insufficient tooth structure: If a tooth has been damaged by decay, trauma, or wear, there may not be enough healthy tooth structure remaining to support a crown. |
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Gummy smile: If your gums cover too much of your teeth, it can make your smile appear short or uneven. Crown lengthening can reshape your gums to reveal more of your teeth. |
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Uneven gum line: An uneven gum line can trap plaque and bacteria, leading to gum disease. Crown lengthening can create a more even gum line, making it easier to keep your teeth clean. |
How is Crown Lengthening Performed?
Crown lengthening is typically performed by a periodontist, a dentist specializing in the treatment of gums and bone. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia in the dentist's office.
During the procedure, the periodontist will make an incision in the gum tissue to expose the bone around the tooth. The bone will then be reshaped to create the desired length. In some cases, the gum tissue may also be reshaped.
After the procedure, the gums will be stitched closed. You may experience some swelling and discomfort for a few days, but this can be managed with pain medication.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening offers several benefits, including:
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Preserves the tooth: By providing more tooth structure, crown lengthening can help save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted. |
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Improves oral health: Crown lengthening can make it easier to keep your teeth clean, reducing your risk of gum disease and tooth decay. |
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Enhances your smile: Crown lengthening can give you a more even and aesthetically pleasing smile. |
Risks and Complications of Crown Lengthening
Like any surgical procedure, crown lengthening carries some risks and potential complications. These include:
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Infection: While rare, infection is a possibility after any surgical procedure. |
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Gum recession: Crown lengthening can sometimes lead to gum recession, which can expose the root of the tooth and make it more sensitive. |
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Damage to adjacent teeth: In rare cases, the procedure can damage the adjacent teeth. |
Recovery from Crown Lengthening
Recovery from crown lengthening typically takes a few days. You may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this can be managed with pain medication. Your periodontist will give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth during the healing process.
Is Crown Lengthening Right for You?
If you have damaged teeth or a gummy smile, crown lengthening may be a good option for you. To find out if crown lengthening is right for you, talk to your dentist or periodontist. They can assess your individual needs and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Conclusion
Crown lengthening is a safe and effective procedure that can restore your damaged teeth and give you a healthy, beautiful smile. If you are considering crown lengthening, talk to your dentist or periodontist to learn more about the procedure and whether it is right for you.
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