Understanding the Significance of Crown Lengthening
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Restoration of damaged teeth: This procedure prepares the affected area for restoration, addressing damage caused by periodontal disease, trauma, or decay, even in cases where the teeth are fractured beneath the gum line.
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Cosmetic enhancements: By removing excess gum tissue, crown lengthening restores a harmonious and visually appealing smile. This not only improves aesthetics but also reduces the risk of periodontal issues and the appearance of disproportionately short teeth.
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Facilitating dental crowns: Crown lengthening creates essential space between the dental crown and the underlying jawbone, providing protection for gum tissues and bone during the crown placement process.
Exploring the Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia. The duration of the procedure varies based on the number of teeth involved and whether any bone removal is necessary. Before the procedure, existing dental crowns are removed and replaced immediately afterward.
To access the teeth roots and underlying bone, small incisions are made around the gums. Even if only one tooth requires reshaping, adjacent teeth are often treated for a balanced outcome. This facilitates access to the roots and bone.
Sometimes, removing a small amount of tissue is adequate to expose the tooth for crown placement. In other cases, a minimal amount of bone may need to be removed around the teeth. This process involves specialized hand and rotary instruments similar to those used in cavity treatment.
Following surgery, the gums are repositioned to create the illusion of longer teeth. An intraoral bandage is applied to secure the surgical site and prevent infection. Pain medication may be prescribed, and a chlorhexidine mouth rinse provided to reduce bacterial growth. Complete healing of the surgical site typically takes about two to three months.
