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Crown lengthening can be done for a number of reasons on the front or back teeth.
This can be done on the front teeth which is usually to enhance aesthetics of the smile but also will usually have a functional benefit in the cases of short worn teeth.
This procedure is carried out in the cases of:
1. Short worn teeth in patients with a history of toothwear
2. Patients with a gummy smile or excess gum show
This surgical technique involves removing excess gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface. Sutures are then placed to the new gum level, which are usually removed at a 3 week review appointment. By increasing the visible portion of the tooth, crown lengthening provides a stable foundation for restorations like crowns or veneers, which can strengthen and protect the tooth from further damage and also provide aesthetic enhancement.
In cases of bruxism, where excessive grinding has worn down the teeth or caused them to become uneven, crown lengthening restores proper tooth structure and function, not just aesthetics.
Following the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling, but proper oral hygiene and post-operative care ensure optimal healing. Crown lengthening, when combined with anti-grinding treatments, offers a comprehensive approach to preserving dental health and restoring damaged teeth.
This is usually done on posterior teeth in the case of :
Fractured teeth where there is not enough tooth tissue to place a restoration to fix the tooth.
In the case of deep decay going under the gum line, again compromising the amount of available tooth structure to restore the tooth. Â Â Â Â
This is a surgical dental procedure that involves removing gum tissue and bone, or to expose more of a tooth’s structure. Again sutures are placed at the new level and the tooth height should increase by about 2mm.
During the procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthetic, and the dentist makes a small incisions to access the tooth root and surrounding bone. They then remove the necessary amount of tissue to expose more of the tooth. They will then reshape the gum to ensure proper tooth-to-gum ratio.
After the procedure, the gum is stitched back into place, and the area is allowed to heal. Crown lengthening provides a stable foundation for restorations like crowns and helps improve the overall health and appearance of the teeth and gums.
Local Anaesthetic
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that involves removing gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of a tooth’s structure. It is commonly performed to restore a tooth that is too short to support a filling or crown, or to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile.
During the procedure, the dentist or periodontist administers local anesthesia to numb the area. They then make small incisions in the gum tissue to access the tooth’s root and surrounding bone. Excess tissue is removed to expose more of the tooth, and if necessary, the bone is reshaped to ensure proper tooth-to-gum ratio and aesthetics. The gum is then stitched back into place, and the area is allowed to heal.
Patients typically experience minimal discomfort during and after the procedure. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area, and any post-operative discomfort can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication.
Recovery time varies, but most patients can expect some swelling and discomfort for a few days following the procedure. It’s essential to follow post-operative instructions provided by the dentist or periodontist, including proper oral hygiene practices and avoiding hard or crunchy foods that may irritate the area. Full healing usually occurs within a few weeks.
As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with crown lengthening, including infection, excessive bleeding, and sensitivity in the treated area. However, these complications are rare and can often be minimized with proper pre-operative evaluation and post-operative care.
Once performed, crown lengthening permanently exposes more of the tooth’s structure. However, maintaining good oral hygiene practices and regular dental check-ups are essential for ensuring the long-term success of the procedure.
Excessive gum tissue can cause a “gummy” smile, where the gums cover too much of the teeth, making them appear short or disproportionate. Crown lengthening removes excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth’s surface, improving the balance between teeth and gums and enhancing the smile’s aesthetics.
An uneven gumline can detract from the smile’s aesthetics and affect the symmetry of the teeth. Crown lengthening can be performed to reshape the gumline, creating a more harmonious and balanced appearance.
