The goal of crown lengthening surgery is to create more balance in the proportions of your teeth and gums. 

Are you looking for a way to improve your smile or reduce the length of your teeth? Learn about the process and benefits of crown lengthening surgery, a procedure which can help achieve the desired results! Here, we’ll discuss what it is and how this particular type of surgery can be used to improve not just the aesthetics of your smile but also the overall health of your teeth.

Introduction to Crown Lengthening Surgery

Crown lengthening surgery, also called gingival recontouring, is a procedure to improve the appearance of your smile. It is typically performed by a periodontist or oral surgeon, and can be done in conjunction with other cosmetic dental procedures, such as teeth whitening or porcelain veneers.

The goal of crown lengthening surgery is to create more balance in the proportions of your teeth and gums. By removing excess gum tissue and/or bone, crown lengthening can make your teeth look longer and your smile more attractive. In some cases, crown lengthening may also be necessary to prepare your teeth for future restorative work, such as a dental crown or bridge.

If you are considering crown lengthening surgery, it is important to have realistic expectations about the results of the procedure. Although it can greatly improve the appearance of your smile, it will not necessarily perfect it. Talk to your dentist or surgeon about what you hope to achieve from surgery so that they can give you an accurate idea of what to expect.

Crown lengthening is necessary in cases where there is not enough tooth structure visible above the gum line to securely place a crown or a bridge. This can be due to a number of factors, including gum disease, excessive gum tissue, or simply genetics. By exposing more of the tooth, the dentist can ensure that the crown or bridge will have a strong, secure bond with the underlying tooth structure.

The crown lengthening procedure is usually performed under local anesthesia and can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. During the procedure, the dentist will remove a small amount of gum tissue and, in some cases, bone to expose more of the tooth. The gum tissue is then sutured back in place, and the area is allowed to heal.

What Are the Benefits of Crown Lengthening Procedure?

There are many benefits of crown lengthening surgery, which is also known as alveolar augmentation. This type of procedure can improve the aesthetics of your smile, as well as increase the function and health of your teeth. Crown lengthening can be used to treat a number of dental conditions, including:

-Gummy smiles: If you have excess gum tissue that covers up too much of your tooth surface, crown lengthening can be used to adjust the gum line and expose more of your natural tooth.
-Shorter teeth: Teeth that are too short can be due to genetics or wear and tear. In some cases, crown lengthening can be used to make your teeth appear longer.
-Improving oral hygiene: If you have difficulty brushing or flossing due to excess gum tissue, crown lengthening can make it easier to clean your teeth and reduce your risk for cavities and gum disease.

-Tooth decay: If you have decay near your gum line, crown lengthening can expose more of the tooth so that it can be properly cleaned and repaired.

After the procedure, patients may experience some swelling and discomfort, but this should subside within a few days. The dentist will provide instructions for proper postoperative care, which may include avoiding solid foods for a period of time and using over-the-counter pain medication as needed. It’s important to follow these instructions to ensure proper healing and a successful outcome.

Crown lengthening can greatly improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile, but it can also be necessary for other dental treatments. By exposing more of the tooth, the dentist can ensure that the crown or bridge will have a strong, secure bond with the underlying tooth structure. Additionally, crown lengthening can improve oral health by making it easier to clean and maintain the exposed tooth and surrounding gum tissue.

What Can You Expect During and After the Procedure?

Crown lengthening surgery is a procedure that can be performed for esthetic or functional purposes. The esthetic purpose of this surgery is to create the illusion of longer, more proportional teeth. The functional purpose is to expose more of the tooth so that it can be restored.

This surgery is typically performed by a periodontist, and it can be done in one or two appointments. During the first appointment, the periodontist will make incisions in the gums to expose more of the tooth. They will then remove any excess bone or tissue around the tooth. In some cases, they will place stitches to close the incisions.

After the procedure, you can expect your gums to be sore and swollen. You may also have some bleeding and bruising. These side effects should resolve within a week or two. It’s important to take good care of your mouth during this time by brushing and flossing gently and avoiding hard or crunchy foods.

If you have any questions or concerns about crown lengthening surgery, please talk to your dentist or periodontist.

How Long Will The Results Last?

Many factors will affect how long your results last following crown lengthening surgery. This includes the type of procedure you undergo, your oral hygiene habits, and whether or not you have any underlying health conditions that could affect healing. In general, though, most people can expect their results to last for several years before needing any touch-ups.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider Before Having a Crown Lengthening Surgery

How long has the healthcare provider been performing crown lengthening surgery?
How many crown lengthening surgeries has the healthcare provider performed?
What are the healthcare provider’s complication and success rates for crown lengthening surgery?
What is the healthcare provider’s experience with treating patients who have had previous crown lengthening surgery?
What type of sedation or anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
What are the risks and potential complications associated with having a crown lengthening surgery?
How long will the surgery take?
What is the expected recovery time after having a crown lengthening surgery?
Will there be any permanent changes to my appearance after having a crown lengthening surgery?
How much will it cost to have a crown lengthening surgery?

Crown lengthening surgery is a relatively simple procedure with minimal risks and long-term effects. It can be used to improve the appearance of your gums and teeth, as well as providing necessary oral health care. With crown lengthening, you can achieve a healthier smile that looks more aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re looking for restoration or simply want to improve the appearance of your smile, crown lengthening may provide the results you desire. Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure that can greatly improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile and ensure the success of other dental treatments. If you’re considering crown lengthening or have been recommended for the procedure, be sure to discuss your options with your dentist to determine if it’s the right choice for you.