Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is generally performed to improve the health of the gum tissue or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures.  In addition, crown lengthening procedures can also be used to correct a “gummy” smile, where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue.  Crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping or recontouring bone and gum tissue.  This treatment can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth, or the entire gum line, exposing an aesthetically pleasing smile. 

Reasons for crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a versatile and common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits.  The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.

Here are some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening:

  • Restoration of damaged teeth – Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the teeth, as can trauma and decay.  Where teeth have been broken beneath the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to prepare the area for a new restoration to correct the damaged teeth.
  • Cosmetic uses – Extra gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short and can also increase susceptibility to periodontal infections.  Removing excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile. 
  • Dental crowns – Crown lengthening provides more space between the supporting jawbone and dental crown.  This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once it is in place.

What does crown lengthening involve?

Crown lengthening is normally performed under local anesthetic.  The amount of time this procedure takes will largely depend on how many teeth are involved and whether a small amount of bone needs to be removed along with the soft tissue.  Any existing dental crowns will be removed prior to the procedure and replaced immediately afterwards. 

Your dentist will make a series of small incisions around the soft tissue in order to separate the gums away from the teeth.  Even if only one tooth requires the re-contour, neighboring teeth are usually treated to provide a more even reshaping.  Separating the gums provides your dentist with access to the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.

In some cases, the removal of a small amount of tissue will provide enough tooth exposure to place a crown.  In other cases, your dentist will also need to remove a small amount of bone from around the teeth.  The bone is usually removed using a combination of special hand instruments, and rotary instruments.  The rotary instruments roughly resemble the drill that is used in cavity treatment.

The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums will have been repositioned. The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned.

Your dentist will secure the surgical site using an intraoral (periodontal) bandage which serves to prevent infection.  Prescriptions may be provided for pain medication, and a chlorhexidine (antimicrobial) mouth rinse may be given to help reduce any bacteria attempting to re-colonize.  The surgical site will be completely healed in approximately two to three months.

If you have any questions about crown lengthening, please contact our office.

Testimonials.

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Testimonials

My entire family gives Dr. Schmidt 5 stars! He is skilled, experienced, trustworthy, and you can tell he enjoys his job. My two children love to go to the dentist, and I think that speaks volumes. He makes you feel comfortable and at ease, even during unpleasant procedures. I trust Dr. Schmidt completely and know that he would never recommend unnecessary dental work. Oh, and by the way you cannot feel a thing when he gives you a shot.
The office staff is fun and super helpful as well. If you are looking for a dentist you will not regret coming to Dr. Schmidt!

Christina H.

THE place to go if you're scared of dentists. Dr. Schmidt is funny and relaxes you immediately. He makes a real effort so you don't feel pain. I hadn't gone in years and was hyperventilating before I went. Dr Schmidt's whole team was great. Told them I was nervous and they were great. Now, I'm never afraid to go. I trust him to the point that I eventually got braces (his recommended orthodontist was fabulous too) and today I've got a great smile.
He has several chairs. They can take X-rays right in the chair, and you can see them yourself on a big screen.
The office is a bit hidden in the interior corner of the shopping center, so you won't notice it from the parking lot.
My embarrassing moment... Going to the fish and chip place a few spots away to buy British candy afterward. I don't eat it right away!

A G.

Dr. Schmidt is the best dentist around. I have experienced a few different approaches and Dr. Schmidt's is the most comforting and knowledgeable. You never leave feeling negative or like you got raked over the coals. I was referred to Dr. Schmidt years ago by a close family friend and have not turned back. My family sees him and I have referred everyone I know to him. Over the years his staff has changed a lot but everyone I have come across is great. Highly recommended!

Jonathan G.

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Contact Us.We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form.

Contact Us

We encourage you to contact us with any questions or comments you may have. Please call our office or use the quick contact form below.