What Is Dental Crown Lengthening?
Dental crown lengthening is a procedure that aims to contour gum tissue at the base of a tooth. Oftentimes, the goal is to perform this procedure to make one's smile appear straighter, thus solving cosmetic imperfections. In other cases, dental crown lengthening is done in order to secure the base of a dental crown that was placed to restore a tooth that was in bad shape. Continue reading to learn more about the procedure.
An overview of dental crown lengthening
Below is an overview of what is involved in a dental crown lengthening procedure. Reviewing this information allows for a thorough understanding of what to expect. This eliminates any surprises from arising later on.
The procedure
Outlined below are the steps of a dental crown lengthening procedure:
- To start the procedure, an anesthetic is administered. In some cases, a pain reliever is also given ahead of time to ensure that there is little to no discomfort felt
- A dental instrument such as a scalpel is typically used to remove the excess gum tissue at the base of the teeth. Some periodontists are utilizing dental lasers, which can also be used to remove the tissue
- The wound is thoroughly cleaned to ensure that an infection does not form. A dressing might be applied to allow for healing and protection
- The periodontist may provide an antibiotic and pain reliever to help with the healing process
The steps for dental crown lengthening may vary depending on each specific patient. However, what is provided above can generally be expected from the procedure.
What to know before your procedure
There are a few important things to know before undergoing a crown lengthening procedure. Having an understanding of the following information is a good idea in order to know what to expect:
- Crown lengthening procedures are typically done in out-patient oral surgery facilities
- The procedure can usually be completed within an hour, pending there are no complications
- This procedure is considered surgical, which means that sedation may be administered in addition to the local anesthetic
- After the dental crown lengthening procedure is complete, there is usually some slight discomfort
- Full recovery tends to take up to a month or more, depending on the severity of the original gum tissue
These details about the procedure are not meant to cause anxiety in patients, but rather help prepare properly. Of course, the periodontist may offer additional information that is specific to the patient.
Ready to schedule your appointment?
When curious about dental crown lengthening and what is involved, it is best to consult directly with a periodontist. A thorough evaluation can be done to determine what type of action is necessary. In the event that this procedure is required, the periodontist will go over all of the details in depth. Additionally, patients can ask questions and go over any existing concerns that they have. To find out more or to get scheduled for an appointment, contact us today.
Request an appointment here: https://www.summitperioimplants.com or call Summit Periodontics & Dental Implants at (908) 219-6664 for an appointment in our Summit office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges in Summit, NJ.
Related Posts
Gum recession is often the result of a severe infection in the soft tissues of the oral cavity, but fortunately, a periodontist can treat the condition in a couple of different ways. While treatment may seem daunting, the condition will only worsen if left untreated. Keep reading to learn more about the available treatment options. The…
Undergoing oral surgery can feel overwhelming, but proper post-operative care is crucial to ensure a smooth recovery. Whether you have had wisdom teeth removed, dental implants placed, or another procedure, following the right recovery steps can help minimize discomfort and prevent complications.First and foremost, the oral surgeon will provide detailed post-operative care instructions specific to…
As surprising as it is, you can get Botox from a dentist! Advancements in the dental niche are always being made. The goal is to offer dental patients simple and effective treatments that can address their dental issue in a safe and efficient manner, and many dentists have undergone training and have used dental Botox…
A missing tooth can have consequences on oral health and self-confidence. The good news is that periodontists have several tooth replacement options to restore a patient’s smile, no matter where the lost tooth was located. Whether through surgical or nonsurgical tooth replacements, periodontists can effectively fill gaps in your smile, improve bite function and force,…