Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure used to treat excessive gingival display, or a gummy smile. Crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gumline.
Some people opt for crown lengthening for cosmetic purposes, while others undergo it to treat exposed or broken teeth. The process involves getting rid of excess gum tissue, or even some bone, on the upper row of your teeth to make them appear longer.
How to Prepare for the Procedure
If you are considering getting a crown lengthening procedure done, first visit your dentist to discuss its suitability. It is vital to maintain good gum health before you go for the surgery. Make sure you:
- Brush your teeth twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Use a mouthwash
- Keep up annual visits to the dentist for routine evaluation
Before beginning the procedure, your periodontist will perform a presurgical analysis to determine the position of the gumline. They will also examine the teeth, gum, and nearby structures.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
The time it would take to perform surgery depends upon the number of teeth that require treatment, and whether both the soft tissue and bone need to be removed.
You may only need to get one tooth treated, but the surrounding teeth may also have to be included in the treatment to enable the tissues to reshape effectively. A crown lengthening procedure is typically done under local anesthesia along with a sedative. Here are some basic steps involved in the surgery:
- Tiny incisions are made in the gum to create a tissue flap
- The underlying tissue is reshaped to adequately support the gum tissue in the new position
- The tissue flap is repositioned and stitched into place
- The surgical area and gum tissue are fixed together
You can use a cold compress or take an anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate any pain or swelling after the procedure. If your gummy smile is bothering you, schedule a visit with us at Southern Arizona Periodontics by calling us at 520-322-9300 today.
