Ask a Periodontist About Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical treatment in which the gums surrounding a tooth are repositioned to show more of the tooth structure. There may not be enough healthy dental structure to support a crown or bridge if the tooth is decaying, fractured below the gum line, or has an inadequate crown height. A crown lengthening procedure gives your dentist extra room to work with.

The crown lengthening process

A local anesthetic is administered to numb the treatment area. Patients should feel little to no pain as the periodontist reshapes the gum and bone tissue to reveal more of the affected tooth’s structure. Pain relievers and antibiotics may be recommended to alleviate discomfort and prevent infection since the treated region is painful, irritated, or swollen after the procedure. In most situations, patients may return to their daily lives the next day after the crown lengthening procedure.

Cosmetic crown lengthening

This may be an option for people who have teeth that appear uneven or have a gummy smile. When excess gum tissue covers the teeth, they can look uneven or short, even if they are in the correct position and length.

The patient’s smile line, lip position, and the number of affected teeth all determine the quantity of gum tissue that must be removed to achieve a more appealing smile. Therefore, more teeth are visible when smiling due to the removal of the gum tissue or relocated (with some bone removal) to expose the upper portion of the teeth. After that, the new smile is created by carefully shaping the gum line.

Postoperative care guidelines for crown lengthening

When patients get home from the procedure, it is advisable to keep the head raised for the rest of the day. For the first 24 hours, it is important to limit physical activity. Immediately after the procedure, the periodontist will likely suggest putting an ice pack over the face at 20-minute intervals to reduce swelling. An ice bag may be used for up to 24 hours if necessary.

Patients can prevent inflammation, swelling, and discomfort by using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). It is important to follow the directions on using antibiotics if prescribed and to take the full course. Call the dental office immediately if any of the drugs cause severe nausea, itching, or a rash.

Minor bleeding may occur for a few days after surgery; this is normal and should not be a reason for concern. Patients can use a glass of cool water or iced tea to rinse the mouth. The surgery site will not heal properly if patients smoke or consume alcohol; therefore, it is important to abstain from these habits. The surgery site should be pinched with a moistened piece of gauze for at least 20 minutes if bleeding persists. Please contact the dental office immediately if bleeding is moderate to severe and has not stopped after a few hours.