WHAT IS CROWN LENGTHENING?

Crown lengthening is a procedure that removes part of the gum and/or bone to reveal more of a tooth or teeth. The procedure is done if the patient is observed to have a “gummy smile,” where too much gum tissue makes teeth look shorter than they are. Crown lengthening is also performed when another procedure needs to take place but there is not enough tooth to support the procedure.

HOW DOES CROWN LENGTHENING WORK?

At Smooth Dental and Orthodontics, Dr. Elizabeth Tran will first give you an oral examination to determine if you are a good candidate for crown lengthening. If it is found that you require the procedure Dr. Tran will explain every step to you and answer any questions you might have. You might require crown lengthening for just one tooth or a set of teeth. An x-ray of your teeth will be taken to give the doctor a better idea of your tooth and bone structure within the gum.

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WHEN IS CROWN LENGTHENING NEEDED?

Crown lengthening is performed for a number of reasons including:

  • Improving a smile by removing excess gum tissue.
  • Preparing the tooth for other procedures like putting a dental crown on the tooth.
  • Repairing teeth that might be damaged below the gum due to gum disease.

During the procedure you will first get your teeth cleaned by the dental hygienist. The dentist will then give you a local anesthetic so that your gums are numbed during the procedure. Depending on the reason for the procedure the dentist will accordingly remove and restructure the gum and the supporting bone. Once the tooth or teeth have been sufficiently exposed and the procedure completed, the dentist will suture the remaining gum tissue back in place.

The duration of the procedure depends on how many teeth need to be treated and the extent of damage to the teeth.

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ARE THERE ANY RISKS INVOLVED?

The procedure in minimally invasive and most patients have very good results. Contact your dentist if you feel severe pain or develop swelling or inflammation of the gums after the procedure.

If you think you might require a crown lengthening procedure contact us at our La Habra or Santa Ana offices to book an appointment.