Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure commonly performed to enhance gum tissue health or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic treatments. It can also address a “gummy” smile, where excessive gum tissue covers the teeth. By reshaping or recontouring the bone and gum tissue, crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing smile.

There are several reasons why crown lengthening may be recommended:

1. Restoration of damaged teeth: Teeth that have suffered damage from periodontal disease, trauma, or decay may have broken below the gum line. Crown lengthening can create the necessary space for a new restoration to effectively treat the damaged teeth.

2. Cosmetic purposes: Excess gum tissue can give the appearance of unusually short teeth and increase the risk of periodontal infections. Removing the excess gum tissue through crown lengthening can restore a balanced and healthy look, improving the overall aesthetic of the smile.

3. Dental crowns: Crown lengthening creates space between the supporting jawbone and the dental crown. This prevents the crown from causing damage to the gum tissues and bone once it is placed.

The crown lengthening procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia. The duration of the procedure depends on the number of teeth involved and whether any bone removal is necessary along with soft tissue reshaping. Existing dental crowns, if present, will be removed before the procedure and replaced afterward.

The dentist will make small incisions around the gum tissue to separate it from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires reshaping, neighboring teeth are often treated for a more uniform appearance. By accessing the tooth roots and underlying bone, the dentist can achieve the desired tooth exposure.

In some cases, removing a small amount of tissue is sufficient for crown placement. However, additional bone removal may be required. Special hand instruments and rotary instruments resembling dental drills may be used to remove the bone. After ensuring adequate tooth exposure, the wounds are cleaned, and the gum tissue is sutured with small stitches. Following the procedure, the teeth will appear longer due to the repositioned gums.

To protect the surgical site from infection, an intraoral bandage is applied. Pain medication may be prescribed, and an antimicrobial mouth rinse, such as chlorhexidine, might be recommended to reduce bacterial growth. The surgical site typically takes around two to three months to completely heal.