What Is Crown Lengthening?
A common periodontal procedure, crown lengthening removes gum and/or bone tissue to allow for a more esthetic smile or restoration of a tooth. In some cases, teeth appearing in the smile zone may appear short, or disproportionate to the amount of gum tissue present. This is also known as a “gummy smile.” For others, decay, fracture or damage on a tooth may prohibit proper restoration. This procedure is often used to prepare for the placement of a dental crown or veneer, to ensure that the final crown has enough tooth structure to which it can be bonded to. As a board certified periodontist, Dr. Suzanne Mason provides specialized crown lengthening services to effectively address these oral concerns, restoring health and the appearance to your smile.
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Functional Crown Lengthening
Damage to a tooth below the gumline is difficult to treat and restore. Functional crown lengthening removes a small amount of gum and bone tissue, revealing a greater surface area of the tooth. This procedure exposes the damage and allow your general dentist to properly treat the tooth. It also creates the space needed to adequate bond a crown or filling and restore the normal function of a tooth.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
A periodontal plastic surgery procedure, esthetic crown lengthening corrects a “gummy” smile by removing gum and bone tissue around your teeth that show when you smile. This creates an improved tooth-to-gum ratio, resulting in the look of short teeth and revealing a symmetrical, more balanced and esthetically pleasing smile.
What to Expect From a Crown Lengthening Procedure
The crown lengthening procedure usually takes less than an hour. First, your gums and teeth will be cleaned to eliminate oral bacteria. Then, Dr. Mason will use a local anesthetic to numb your mouth. Next, Dr. Mason uses specialized tools to expose more of the crown, and your gum line is adjusted to look more symmetrical and provide a more pleasing appearance. You will leave with several sutures that are removed at your two-week post-op appointment.
—Betty M.