Crown Lengthening
Focus: Why crown lengthening is necessary, the benefits and what is involved in the procedure.
Crown lengthening involves reshaping the gum tissue, and sometimes the bone tissue, to expose more of the tooth crown. It can be performed on a single tooth or the entire gum line.Whether you’re dealing with a “gummy smile,” need to prepare for the placement of dental crowns, or require treatment for damaged teeth, crown lengthening can provide both cosmetic and restorative benefits.
Key Takeaway
Crown lengthening is a versatile and effective surgical procedure that can address both cosmetic and restorative concerns. It involves reshaping the gum and/or bone tissue to expose more of the tooth crown, improving overall oral health and aesthetics.
Gum to Tooth Ratio
The gum to tooth ratio is an important factor in determining the overall aesthetics of a smile.
Ideally, there should be a balance between the visible amount of gum tissue and the length of the tooth crown.
When this ratio is off, such as in the case of excessive gum coverage, it can lead to what is commonly referred to as a “gummy smile.” This can make teeth appear shorter than they actually are, affecting the harmony and symmetry of a person’s smile.
Crown lengthening helps correct this imbalance by carefully reshaping the gum and sometimes bone tissue, ensuring that a proper gum to tooth ratio is achieved.
This improves the visual appeal of the smile and supports the health and function of the teeth and gums.
When is Crown Lengthening Recommended?
This dental procedure may be recommended for various reasons, including:
- Cosmetic purposes: For individuals who are self-conscious about their smile due to excess gum tissue or an uneven gum line, crown lengthening can improve the overall appearance of the teeth and gums.
- Restorative purposes: If a tooth is damaged or has insufficient structure above the gum line, crown lengthening can provide the necessary space for a dental crown, dental bridge or dental implant to be placed securely.
- Damaged teeth: If a tooth has decay or fractures extending below the gum line, crown lengthening can help expose more of the tooth structure so it can be properly restored. This helps prevent further damage and potential tooth loss.
- Reduced risk of tooth decay and gum disease: By exposing more of the tooth crown, it becomes easier to properly clean and maintain good oral hygiene. This reduces the risk of plaque buildup, which can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
- After orthodontics: In some cases, crown lengthening may be recommended after orthodontic treatment to improve the appearance and balance of the smile.
| Purpose | Reason | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Cosmetic | Uneven gum line | Corrects an uneven gum line to enhance the symmetry and appearance of the smile. |
| Cosmetic | Excess gum tissue | Removes excess gum tissue to reveal a more balanced tooth-to-gum ratio, improving aesthetics. |
| Restorative | Insufficient tooth structure | Provides more tooth structure above the gum line for proper placement of dental crowns, bridges or dental implants. |
| Restorative | Hidden decay or fractures | Exposes decay or fractures below the gum line for adequate restoration and to prevent further complications. |
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
The crown lengthening procedure involves several steps, beginning with a consultation and evaluation.
This is an important step to determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure and to discuss your goals and expectations.
Once it has been determined that it is the right option for you, the crown lengthening surgery will involve:
- Anesthesia: Depending on the extent of tissue reshaping required, local anesthesia and sedation may be administered to ensure your comfort throughout the procedure.
- Tissue Reshaping: Small incisions are made in the soft tissue to access and reshape it, exposing more of the tooth. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also need to be removed.
- Suturing: Once the desired amount of tissue has been removed, the incisions are carefully closed with sutures.
The entire procedure typically takes anywhere from 1 to 2 hours depending on the complexity and extent of tissue reshaping required.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and bleeding. Your periodontist will provide detailed post-op instructions on how to manage these symptoms and promote healing.
Healing time can vary, but in general it takes about 1–2 weeks for the gums to fully heal. During this time, it is important to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your periodontist to ensure proper healing and optimal results.
Follow-up appointments may also be scheduled to monitor healing progress and address any concerns or questions you may have.
Risks and Considerations
As with any medical procedure, there are potential risks associated with this procedure. These may include infection, bleeding, sensitivity, or unfavorable changes in the appearance of the gum line.
However, when performed by a skilled and experienced periodontist like Dr. Kerri Font, DDS, and Dr. Mike Norouzinia, DDS, these risks can be minimized.
It is important to carefully follow all pre- and post-operative instructions provided by your periodontist to reduce the likelihood of complications.
Why See a Periodontist for Crown Lengthening?
While some general dentists may offer crown lengthening as a treatment option, it is always recommended to see a periodontist for this procedure.
Periodontists are specialists in the supporting structures of the teeth, including the gums and bone tissue. They have extensive training and experience in performing procedures such as crown lengthening and can provide customized treatment plans based on your individual needs.
This includes addressing any underlying periodontal issues that may affect the success of the treatment and providing specialized aftercare instructions to promote optimal healing.
Schedule a Consultation
Crown lengthening is a versatile procedure that offers both cosmetic and restorative benefits for individuals with aesthetic or functional concerns related to their gum tissue.
By correcting the gum to tooth ratio, this procedure can improve the appearance of the smile, support overall oral health, and allow for successful dental treatments.
If you are considering this procedure or have any questions about the procedure, consult with our periodontists at our periodontal clinic in Highlands Ranch, CO.
Call (303) 683-1144 or complete the online booking form.
FAQs About Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is typically performed with local anesthesia and sedation, so discomfort during the procedure should be minimal. Some mild discomfort, swelling, and bleeding may be experienced after the procedure but can be managed with pain medication prescribed by your periodontist.
Gums do not grow back once they have been removed, so the effects are permanent. However, it is important to maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular dental check-ups to ensure the best long-term results.
In some cases, orthodontic treatment may be recommended to correct uneven gum lines or improve the tooth-to-gum ratio. However, if there is insufficient tooth structure for proper placement of dental crowns or bridges, crown lengthening may still be necessary.
The cost can vary depending on the complexity and extent of tissue reshaping required, as well as the individual periodontist’s fees. It is best to consult with your periodontist for an accurate estimate after a thorough evaluation.