Precision Crown Lengthening Procedures
At Sierra Nevada Periodontics and Implant Dentistry, we provide expert crown lengthening services designed to improve the aesthetics of your smile and prepare your teeth for further restorative treatments. Our skilled periodontists use precise techniques to reshape the gum line and expose more of the tooth structure, ensuring optimal outcomes for your dental health.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping or removing gum tissue, and sometimes bone, around the teeth to expose more of the tooth’s structure. This procedure is often required when a tooth needs to be restored, but there is not enough tooth structure to hold a crown or filling.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
- Enhances Tooth Structure: Provides sufficient tooth structure for the placement of crowns, improving long-term restorative outcomes.
- Improves Aesthetics: Can be used to correct a “gummy smile” where teeth appear short because of excessive gum tissue.
- Prevents Gum Disease: Adjusting the gum margin makes it easier to clean the teeth, helping to prevent periodontal issues.
- Versatile: Addresses both functional and cosmetic dental needs.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure Explained
- Consultation and Planning: Detailed evaluation and X-rays to determine the extent of the procedure needed.
- Local Anesthesia: Applied to ensure comfort during the surgery.
- Tissue and Bone Reshaping: Excess gum and bone tissue are carefully removed to expose more of the tooth’s crown.
- Recovery and Healing: The gums are given time to heal before further restorative procedures are undertaken.
- Follow-Up Care: Patients are monitored closely to ensure optimal healing and satisfaction with the results.
Who Needs Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is recommended for patients who:
- Require a dental crown or bridge but do not have enough tooth exposure.
- Have a “gummy smile” that they wish to improve for aesthetic reasons.
- Need improved access to perform other dental treatments effectively.
In-Depth FAQs About Crown Lengthening
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure itself is not painful as it is performed under local anesthesia. Some post-procedural discomfort can be expected but is typically manageable with over-the-counter pain relievers.
How long does the procedure take?
Crown lengthening can take about 60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth involved and the complexity of the work needed.
What should I expect during recovery?
Initial healing usually occurs within three to four weeks, but it may take several months for the gums to fully mature and stabilize.
Are there any risks associated with crown lengthening?
As with any surgical procedure, risks include bleeding, swelling, or infection, but these are minimized with proper surgical techniques and post-operative care.
How soon after crown lengthening can I get my crown?
It is usually recommended to wait at least 2 months after crown lengthening before placing a final crown, allowing the gums to heal completely.
Will crown lengthening improve my oral hygiene?
By exposing more of the tooth, it becomes easier to keep the area clean and free of plaque, potentially improving oral hygiene.
Can crown lengthening make my teeth look longer?
Yes, this procedure can make the teeth appear longer and more proportionate to the gums and the rest of the mouth.
Schedule Your Crown Lengthening Consultation
If you’re considering crown lengthening for functional or aesthetic purposes, contact Sierra Nevada Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today. Our team is ready to help you achieve a healthier, more beautiful smile with precision procedures tailored to your dental needs. Schedule your consultation to learn more about how crown lengthening can benefit you.
Before & After
If you have any questions about crown lengthening or would like to be seen, don’t hesitate to contact us today at (775) 322-5122.