Crown Lengthening
Crown Lengthening is a Surgical Procedure
If your dentist says you need crown lengthening, this isn’t the same as a crown. The part of the tooth above the gums is considered the crown. Maybe you have a broken tooth or one that is decayed. Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that can help repair a broken tooth and remove extra bone and/or tissue. The procedure can save your tooth and help you have a more confident smile. It therefor extends or lengthens the part of the remaining tooth by lowering your gums. It provides retention for crowns and a complete seal for the crown margin integrity.
Here is information on crown lengthening. See below for pictures of dental crowns to help you get an idea of a crown lengthening Before & After procedure.
When you’re ready to set up an appointment to discuss having a crown or crown lengthening, let us know. We’re here to help with any questions you have!
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure performed by a periodontist if there’s not enough tooth in place to hold a crown. It can also be used for people that have a “gummy” smile where the gums are covering part of the teeth. Crown lengthening or crown extensions are also used to prevent the loss of your tooth or teeth.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
A small surgery is used for crown lengthening and patients are given local anesthesia. Small cuts are made in the gum’s tissue to separate it from the tooth. This exposes the root and bone and sometimes tiny sections of bone and/or tissue need to be removed. This might be done to stop further infection or decay.
The tooth can be repaired and there’s enough room to add the crown. The bone and tissue is reshaped for better retention of the future crown.
Does Crown Lengthening Hurt?
You don’t feel any pain because you are completely numb. Patients report relatively little to no pain after the procedure. But, as everyone has different pain tolerances, we have medications that can keep you comfortable in your recovery.
You will have instructions at home for rinsing your mouth while the sutures heal.
You’ll come back to our office for a check and to have the stitches removed. When your gums heal, we will release you back to your general dentist to have the impressions taken for your crown.
BEFORE
AFTER
Why Choose Straka Periodontics?
When you choose Straka Periodontics, our team will help to restore your smile. We know you want a smile so you can feel confident again and our restorative team is here to help.
We offer a professional service that will treat any underlying dental issues first because we want you to have a healthy mouth. We’ll make recommendations to help you maintain good oral hygiene after your crown lengthening surgery and subsequent crowns are added.
And finally, you get to keep your own tooth!
Timeframes
Crown lengthening is completed after we take x-rays and discuss your medical history and medications you are taking. We may recommend a temporary crown to protect your existing tooth until you are ready for a permanent crown.