The visible portion of the tooth is referred to as the clinical crown. Unfortunately, many people do not always have adequate clinical crown exposed for proper aesthetics or dental health. When too little clinical crown is available, a simple procedure named dental crown lengthening can be performed to improve the appearance of the mouth and to provide a better foundation for upcoming dental work. Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas commonly perform an innovative crown lengthening procedure, bringing their patients exceptional, long-lasting results.
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure designed to expose more of the natural tooth structure for patients with excessive gum tissue. The technique is often used to improve the look of one or more teeth, or to better secure an upcoming filling, cap, or dental crown. Crown lengthening provides permanent results, and is safe for the surrounding teeth and gums.
Reasons to Consider Crown Lengthening:
Dental Crown:
A tooth that has broken off at the gumline or has extensive decay under the gum tissue needs to be exposed to properly restore the tooth. If there is not enough if the tooth available for support, a dental crown may be loose fitting, causing inflammation and irritation. Additional decay can also occur underneath the poorly fitting crown. Crown lengthening will provide the needed tooth structure to provide for a secure dental crown. After the needed tooth structure is exposed, a dental crown with a proper fit will last for years to come.
Periodontal Disease or Cavities:
Periodontal disease can cause damage and decay to the teeth. A cavity that is close to the gumline needs adequate tooth to support a large filling. If there is not enough of the tooth exposed, the filling will not remain in place, and can result in the need for additional dental work. Crown lengthening can give the added tooth needed to hold the needed filling.
Gummy Smile Correction:
A ‘gummy smile,’ refers to a situation where too much gum shows when you smile. This takes away from the aesthetic appeal of the smile, and results in a lack of confidence in the appearance. Crown lengthening can improve a gummy smile by exposing more of the natural tooth and therefore providing an enhancement and brightening the smile. By recontouring the bone and gum tissue, a beautiful, proportionate smile can be achieved. Crown lengthening for a ‘gummy smile’ can be performed on a single tooth, or it can be used to correct the full gum line.
What is crown lengthening?
What does crown lengthening involve?
Dental crown lengthening involves the removal of gum tissue, bone, or a combination of both, to expose more of a tooth’s structure. Crown lengthening is quick, non-invasive procedure completed through laser gum therapy performed in one of the treatment rooms at our office. Excessive gum correction can be achieved through lip repositioning, periodontal plastic surgery, crown lengthening, and laser gum therapy. Normally, local anesthesia is used, although this will depend on the extent of correction and number of teeth involved. IV Sedation can also be used for added comfort. Our practice offers the following sedation dentistry options:
- Oral sedation
- IV Conscious Sedation
- Nitrous Oxide
- Computer-generated Anesthesia
The crown lengthening procedure is relatively short in time and varies depending on the complexity of the case.
Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas manipulate the gum tissue in several different ways. Once access has been made to the roots and surrounding bones, an adequate amount of gum tissue is removed or repositioned.
Recovery from Crown Lengthening:
Depending on tissue healing, Drs. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas will make a decision as to when the patient will be ready for their final crown, although we also perform the crown lengthening procedure for smile enhancement reasons.
The crown lengthening procedure at Gallardo and Lamas Periodontics results in little discomfort. To ensure a comfortable recovery, the doctors will prescribe appropriate pain medications if necessary. Patients will be given clear at-home instructions for oral care and patients will have follow-up appointments with our office so the success of the treatment can be monitored.
Crown Lengthening at Gallardo and Lamas Periodontics and Implant Dentistry:
If you are struggling with a ‘gummy smile’ or need a dental crown, the crown lengthening procedure at Gallardo and Lamas Periodontics may be right for you. Contact our Miami office at 305.447.1447 to schedule a personalized consultation with Dr. Gallardo or Dr. Lamas. With extensive experience in treating gums, Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas provide the safest and most effective specialized dental care in South Florida. We encourage you to contact us with your questions or concerns, as the professionals at Gallardo and Lamas Periodontics and Implant Dentistry are here to take the stress out of your upcoming dental procedure.
Crown Lengthening FAQs:
What is crown lengthening?
Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas will perform the crown lengthening procedure to expose more of the tooth’s structure. This can be to support a dental crown, or to improve a ‘gummy smile’.
Am I a good candidate for a crown lengthening procedure?
Almost anyone can be a potential patient for the crown lengthening procedure at the office of Drs. Gallardo and Lamas. Candidates should be in generally good health and fully understand the gum lengthening process.
What type of anesthesia is used during the crown lengthening procedure?
Normally a local anesthetic provides adequate comfort during the crown lengthening procedure. However, when the procedure requires multiple steps and additional time, sedation may be recommended. Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas are extremely aware of their patient’s needs, and will take the necessary steps to ensure a stress-free and pain-free procedure.
How long is the recovery after a crown lengthening procedure?
Mild swelling and tenderness may be seen over the first 24-48 hours following the crown lengthening procedure. Prescription and over the counter pain medications will keep patients comfortable during this time. A follow-up visit to check the healing process and remove sutures will be scheduled in seven to 10 days.
What are the risks involved in crown lengthening?
Dr. Gallardo and Dr. Lamas each have more than 25 years of periodontal experience. Their crown lengthening procedure is considered extremely safe and effective.
