Crown lengthening is a versatile and common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits. The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.
Here are some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening:
Crown lengthening is normally performed under local anesthetic. The amount of time this procedure takes will largely depend on how many teeth are involved and whether a small amount of bone needs to be removed along with the soft tissue. Any existing dental crowns will be removed prior to the procedure and replaced immediately afterward.
Your dentist will make a series of small incisions around the soft tissue in order to separate the gums away from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires the re-contour, neighboring teeth are usually treated to provide a more even reshaping. Separating the gums provides your dentist with access to the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.
In some cases, the removal of a small amount of tissue will provide enough tooth exposure to place a crown. In other cases, your dentist will also need to remove a small amount of bone from around the teeth. The bone is usually removed using a combination of special hand instruments, and rotary instruments. The rotary instruments roughly resemble the drill that is used in cavity treatment.
The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums will have been repositioned. The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned.
Your dentist will secure the surgical site using an intraoral (periodontal) bandage which serves to prevent infection. Prescriptions may be provided for pain medication, and a chlorhexidine (antimicrobial) mouth rinse may be given to help reduce any bacteria attempting to re-colonize. The surgical site will be completely healed in approximately two to three months.
One key piece of our Bridgewater dental practice's success is our focus on building a foundation of trust with our patients. We understand that each patient is a unique individual with a variety of needs, and we know that some patients can feel uneasy about their dental visits. We also know that creating a relaxing and positive experience is vitally important to patient satisfaction. Our compassionate team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care to make your consultations as comfortable and pleasant as possible. We truly thank you for allowing us to handle your dental care needs and we look forward to meeting you soon!