Dental Services : Periodontics : Crown lengthening

Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a gum treatment surgical procedure done to expose a greater amount of tooth structure. An incision is made on the gingival tissue around a tooth and the surround soft tissue displaced or remove to expose a given height of the alveolar bone. At BIDC, only a gum specialists or periodontists is given the privileges to perform the crown-lengthening surgical procedure.

Crown lengthening may be done to improve the esthetics of gum line prior to restoration of broken or severely decayed teeth. This procedure adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored aesthetically. The crown lengthening treatment is also sometimes done to improve a “gummy” smile because the teeth appear short even though the teeth may be of proper length. It removes excess gum. Bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.

Dental crowns

Crown lengthening Gum Treatment

If you have a gummy smile and would like to improve aesthetics, crown lengthening may be a possible gum treatment options. Ask our professional periodontists today.

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Benefits of Crown lengthening

  • crown lengthening assists your dentist to access cavities beneath the gumline or to repair fractured areas of tooth
  • It can help lengthen short teeth to address cosmetic concerns
  • A crown-length surgery exposes more tooth structure before dental bridge or crown can done

Techniques of Crown Lengthening

There are different crown lengthening techniques that include:

  1. Gingivectomy and gingivoplasty
    • Your periodontist removes excess gum tissue. 
  2. Apically repositioned flap surgery
    • Your dentist makes an incision in gums to create a flap and removes extra tissue under the flap then re-stitches back.
  3. Surgical extrusion
    • Used for fractured tooth beneath the gum. The periodotnist moves the tooth to desired location on the gum and stabilizes it with stitches.
Gingivectomy

Before

Gummy Smile

Gum treatment

After

Crown lengthen and Gingivectomy

Periodontics

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Procedure for Crown Lengthening

  1. First Evaluation and diagnosis
    • An oral examination and x-rays is done to determine if crown-lengthening is really warranted
    • Relevant medical history are recorded. Do ensure that you report to your dentist any problems with any previous dental experience such as bleeding problems, medical conditions or allergies to medicationsand supplements
  2. Site tooth preparation
    • Local anesthetize is administered to numb the areas
  3. Crown lengthening procedure is done
    • Based on the technique chosen by your periodontist, bone and gum is re-shaped
    • The surgical site is stitched up to close 
  4. Instructions on post care directions given

Recovery Expectations

You may experience some discomfort or pain after the anesthesia wears off from the gum treatment surgery. There may be minor swelling and bleeding for the first few days. Apply a cold compress to the area to help with pain and swelling that will fade. Your gums will then continue to shrink.

You may follow your regular daily activities, avoiding excessive exertion typed of activities such as exercising or sunbathing. Eat a soft diet and rinse the mouth with water after meals. 

Postcare Instructions after Crown Lengthening

  • Do not use mouthwash for six hours after oral surgery
  • If mild bleeding occurs, hold cold salt water in the mouth until it warms to body temperature
  • Do not rinse for 12 hours
  • After 12 hours you may rinse with a solution of teaspoonful of salt in a glass of warm water. Antiseptic mouthwash is also recommended to use in the morning and before bedtime
  • Brush your teeth as usual, but do not brush the wound
  • Take only soft, non-spicy and cold foods, if possible, for 2- 3 days
  • Avoid smoking and alcohol
  • Avoid swelling by sleep on the thick pillow during night time.
  • Mild pain can be controlled with pain relieve medications as directed by your dentist
  • Complete taking the course of your prescribed antibiotic medication as directed.
  • Non-absorbed suture should be removed within 7-10 days after the surgery.
  • Contact the clinic immediately if:
    – Excessive bleeding other than slight staining occurs.
    – Severe pain is present.
    – Marked swelling occur.
    – suspect any symptons of allergic reaction.
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