Have you ever looked in the mirror and thought that your smile looked “gummy” or your teeth looked short? Fortunately, there is a treatment that can help. Crown lengthening, which is also called gum recontouring, is used to make your smile look fuller and more balanced, but it can do more than just improve the appearance of your pearly whites. Read on to learn how this treatment can benefit your smile in more ways than just how it looks.
How Crown Lengthening Works
As previously mentioned, crown lengthening allows you to improve the look of your smile. This is because this procedure includes the removal of excess gum tissue, which can make your teeth appear shorter and less uniform.
Before you move forward with the procedure, your periodontist will review your X-rays and medical history with you. They will then set a date for your surgery as well as perform a thorough dental cleaning. This will decrease the risk of infection.
You’ll be given a local anesthetic before the procedure to numb the gum tissue. The amount of time your crown lengthening surgery takes will vary depend on how many of your teeth need to be adjusted. Once the procedure has been completed, you’ll be given aftercare instructions to make sure that you heal quickly and correctly. This may include taking anti-inflammatory medications and applying a cold compress to alleviate swelling for the next several days.
How Crown Lengthening Makes Restorations Possible
If you have excessive gum tissue covering part of your pearly whites, this may make it difficult for you to get restorations like dental crowns or bridges in the future. This is why your dentist may recommend visiting a periodontist to undergo a crown lengthening procedure. This ensures that your restorations properly fit over your damaged teeth. Some circumstances when you may need a crown lengthening procedure ahead of receiving a restoration include:
- Broken tooth – If you have a tooth that has broken at the gumline, you may need to have a dental crown placed.
- Gums are too long – If the gumline extends too far along the tooth, recontouring may be necessary.
- Tooth isn’t strong enough – A tooth that isn’t strong enough to hold a restoration on its own may benefit from crown lengthening.
Crown lengthening is a common treatment used to improve the aesthetics of your smile, but that isn’t the only way it can be utilized. Speak with your periodontist to learn more about this treatment and how it can benefit the look and function of your pearly whites!
About the Author
Dr. Spiro Saati is a Peabody-based dentist who takes pride in helping patients maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He offers a range of cosmetic treatments to improve the look of your beam, including crown lengthening. With the help of his talented team, this procedure can be used to give you the perfect beam of your dreams. Call the dental office of Dr. Saati at (978) 531-2185 or visit their website for more information on crown lengthening or to schedule a consultation.