Do I Need Crown Lengthening?
During a dental exam, it might be suggested that you consider a crown lengthening procedure. This is a minor surgical procedure that reshapes your gums. The objective of the treatment is to expose additional surface area of a tooth. In some situations, the treatment may also be performed to restore a tooth that is damaged below the gumline. Following the crown lengthening, the tooth can now properly support a crown.
To bond with a crown, the gum also needs at least two millimeters of surface area. This helps prevent the accumulation of plaque or debris at the gumline. If there is not an adequate tooth surface area available, it will compromise the crown restoration.
Are You a Candidate for Crown Lengthening
You may be curious if you need a crown lengthening. The procedure is frequently used for various dental issues. The more common issues that require crown lengthening are:
- Your teeth appear to be short, resulting in a gummy smile.
- There is severe tooth decay below the gumline.
- A tooth that is broken or fractured below the gumline.
A tooth with severe decay or a fracture has a reduced amount of surface area. The limited area will impact the success of a crown restoration because of the limited surface area. Crown lengthening will expose additional healthy surface area to increase the likelihood of a successful restoration. The additional surface area improves the ability of the crown to adhere and remain in place.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure. The procedure can usually be performed at a dental office in less than an hour. Prior to your procedure, you may be fit for a temporary crown. A temporary crown will help protect the damaged tooth while your gums heal. The permanent crown can usually be placed in several months after your gums have healed.
A periodontist most often performs the procedure. This is a dentist with special training in issues related to gums. A local anesthetic is first administered to ensure you remain comfortable during the procedure and do not experience any discomfort. There are other methods of sedation that can be introduced if you have severe anxiety. The dentist will then remove and reshape the gums surrounding the affected teeth. Sometimes specialized surgical instruments are used to recontour the underlying bone tissue. The gums are corrected and adjusted to make sure they are symmetrical in appearance, with the proper length needed to accommodate a dental restoration.
Crown Lengthening Recovery
You will likely experience some minor discomfort and swelling following the procedure. Over-the-counter pain relievers and an ice pack can usually manage any discomfort and swelling. You should avoid using tobacco or smoking during your recovery period. You should avoid consuming hot foods or drinks for the first 24 hours because your gums will be incredibly sensitive. You will be able to return to work and eat soft foods just one day after surgery. Any strenuous activity should be avoided for two days. Within two weeks, the stitches will be removed. The dentist will schedule another follow-up appointment within a month or two to monitor whether the gums are healing properly. Once your gums have healed, you are ready to have your permanent restoration placed.
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