Crown lengthening is generally performed in order to improve the health of the gum tissue, or to prepare the area around a tooth for restorative or cosmetic procedures.  Crown lengthening procedures can also be used to correct a “gummy” smile, where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue.  Crown lengthening exposes more of the natural tooth by reshaping or recontouring bone and gum tissue.      

Reasons for crown lengthening

Crown lengthening is a  common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits.  The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.

Here are some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening:

• Restoration of damaged teeth –  Trauma or decay may cause damage to a tooth below the gum line.  In cases where teeth have been damaged or broken beneath the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to prepare the area so that a new restoration can be placed to rebuild the damaged tooth.
  
• Cosmetic uses – Extra gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short, and give the apperance of a gummy smile .Removing excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and thus improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
  
  
• Dental crowns – Crown lengthening may be necessary to provide more space between the supporting bone and a dental crown.  This prevents the new crown from damaging or irritating gum tissues and bone once it is in place.  It may also help to assure that we get an accurate impression to fabricate a restoration.                                                                                               
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• What does crown lengthening involve?

Crown lengthening is normally performed under local anesthetic.  The amount of time this procedure takes will largely depend in how many teeth are involved and whether a small amount of bone needs to be removed, in addition to the soft tissue.   Dr. Schmid will make a  small incision  around the soft tissue in order to separate the gums away from the teeth.  Even if only one tooth requires the re-contour, neighboring teeth are usually treated to provide a more even reshaping.  Separating the gums provides the dentist with access to the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.

In some cases, the removal of a small amount of tissue will provide enough tooth exposure to place a restoration.  In other cases,  a small amount of bone will also need to be removed from around the teeth.  The bone is usually removed using a combination of special hand instruments, and rotary instruments.    When the dentist is satisfied the teeth have sufficient exposure, the wound will be cleaned with sterile water and the gum tissue will be sutured with small stitches.  The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned.

Dr. Schmid may cover the surgical site using an intraoral (periodontal) bandage, which serves to protect the surgical area  .  Prescriptions may be provided for pain medication, and a chlorhexidine (antimicrobial) mouth rinse may be given to help reduce any bacteria attempting to re-colonize.  The surgical site will be completely healed in approximately two months.

If you have any questions about crown lengthening, please ask Dr. Schmid