704-844-2943
AVAILABLE FOR EMERGENCIES
Understanding Dental Crown Lengthening
When "crown" is mentioned in dentistry, it typically signifies a protective cap placed over a tooth for repair and protection. However, it encompasses any tooth structure above the gumline, including the visible top part of the tooth or an artificial tooth attached to a dental implant. Dental crown lengthening involves removing gum tissue and/or bone to expose more of a tooth, often to facilitate repair. In cases where a tooth is broken off at the gum line due to an accident or decay, crown lengthening is essential before repair. This ensures there's adequate tooth structure for an artificial crown or filling to attach to. Attempting to fit a crown on such a minimal foundation could lead to discomfort, inflammation, and increased risk of decay and damage. Therefore, removing some tissue around the tooth ensures proper crown seating and long-term dental health.
Why Crown Lengthening Matters?
Crown lengthening is a versatile and widely practiced procedure with numerous effective applications and advantages. The overwhelming majority of patients who have undergone this surgery express high satisfaction with the outcomes.
Below are some prevalent reasons for crown lengthening:
Restoration of damaged teeth:
Periodontal disease, trauma, and decay can cause considerable damage to the teeth. When teeth are broken below the gum line, crown lengthening is a procedure performed to prepare the area for a new restoration, effectively addressing the damage.Cosmetic uses:
Excessive gum tissue can create the illusion of unusually short teeth and increase susceptibility to periodontal infections. Removing the surplus gum tissue restores a balanced and healthy appearance, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the smile.Dental crowns:
Crown lengthening involves creating extra space between the dental crown and the underlying jawbone. This safeguards the gum tissues and bone from potential damage that may occur during the placement of the new crown.How Does Crown Lengthening Work?
Crown lengthening is typically conducted under local anesthesia. The duration of the procedure depends on the number of teeth involved and whether any bone removal is necessary alongside the soft tissue. Existing dental crowns are removed before the procedure and replaced immediately afterward.
Your dentist will make small incisions around the soft tissue to separate the gums from the teeth. Even if only one tooth needs re-contouring, neighboring teeth are often treated for more even reshaping. This separation allows access to the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.
In some cases, removing a small amount of tissue is sufficient to expose the tooth for crown placement. In others, your dentist may need to remove a small amount of bone around the teeth using special hand instruments and rotary instruments, akin to those used in cavity treatment.
Following surgery, the gums are repositioned to make the teeth appear longer. An intraoral bandage secures the surgical site to prevent infection. Pain medication may be prescribed, along with a chlorhexidine mouth rinse to reduce bacterial growth. Healing typically takes two to three months for the surgical site to fully heal.
