What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves clearing extra gum tissue and, in some cases, a small amount of bone to reveal more of the surface area of your tooth. It is used for both cosmetic and functional reasons.

For example, it may be necessary to support a restoration or repair a broken tooth when the edge is deep below the gum line. It is also popular for treating a “gummy smile.”

Benefits

Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and, in some cases, bone to expose more of the natural tooth. It is used for both restorative and cosmetic reasons. Restoratively, it can be necessary if a tooth has been damaged below the gum line by trauma or decay, and more of the natural tooth structure needs to be exposed to support a new dental restoration such as a dental filling or dental crown lengthening houston.

Cosmetically, crown lengthening improves the appearance of a smile by making teeth appear longer and more symmetrical. It also reduces the occurrence of oral problems such as tooth decay by giving the patient more of their tooth exposed for cleaning.

Some people have excess gum tissue that causes them to feel self-conscious about their smile. Cosmetic crown lengthening is a solution to this problem by reducing the amount of gum tissue and exposing more of the natural teeth.

Procedure

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping gum tissue or bone to expose more of the natural tooth. This treatment can be used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes. For instance, if a tooth is badly distorted or decayed below the gum line, crown lengthening can help restore it by creating more space for the dental crown to be attached. It can also improve the appearance of a smile by reducing a "gummy" look or by creating a more balanced and harmonious gum line.

The procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia, and the time to complete it will vary depending on how many teeth are involved. The dentist will make a series of small incisions and then separate the gum tissue from the tooth and bone. They will then reshape the gum tissue and remove any excess bone, if necessary.

Your mouth may feel swollen and sore for a few days after the procedure. You should eat soft foods and use over-the-counter pain medications to ease your discomfort.

Recovery

Crown lengthening is a surgical dental procedure that exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping gum tissue and bone. It can be used for restorative and cosmetic purposes. In addition to improving the health of gum tissue and preparing the mouth for procedures, it can also help correct a "gummy smile."

After the surgery, you may experience pain or discomfort. This is normal, and you can take over-the-counter pain medication to ease the pain. It is also a good idea to avoid eating hard foods or drinking hot liquids until the area has healed. A chlorhexidine mouth rinse can help reduce bacteria that could cause infection.

During the treatment, your dentist will make a series of small incisions around the gum tissue to separate it from the teeth. It is often necessary to remove a small amount of bone as well. Depending on the number of teeth involved, this procedure can be completed in about an hour.

Cost

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure where gum tissue and sometimes bone are removed to expose more of the natural tooth. It is often the best solution for a "gummy smile" - a condition that can be caused by genetics or prescription medications. It can also be used to repair a damaged or broken tooth by creating enough space for a restoration.

The procedure is typically performed with local anesthesia or sedation, and the periodontist will make small cuts to access the underlying tooth structure. Once the area has been prepared, a bandage will be placed over the incisions to prevent infection and promote healing.

The cost of a crown lengthening Houston procedure will vary depending on the number of teeth involved and the periodontist's experience. Choosing an experienced and knowledgeable dentist will help you avoid unexpected complications. You should be able to get an estimate from the doctor before the surgery begins. It is important to remember that crown lengthening is a cosmetic procedure, so it may not be covered by insurance.