Crown Lengthening: Improving Gum Health and Aesthetics for Your Smile
Do you have a smile that’s mostly gum and not teeth? Or were you born with teeth not large enough to support a crown adequately? On the other hand, a tooth may not have enough exposed structure to support a crown due to severe damage or decay. These are all times when a crown lengthening procedure by our dentist in Vero Beach, FL, could benefit you.
General Information
A crown lengthening procedure extends the length of a crown, as the name suggests. However, accomplishing this goal is different from the actual crown our dentist elongates. Instead, our practitioner will make an incision in the gum and remove some of it. We may also need to take away bone to lengthen the tooth adequately.
When We Provide Crown Lengthening
You may opt for this as an elective treatment for cosmetic purposes only.
However, we may recommend it if you have a severely decayed or damaged tooth so there’s enough tooth to support a crown. We may also suggest it if you have too much gum compared to teeth and it interferes with chewing.
Sometimes, we’ll recommend it if you need a root canal and there isn’t enough tooth to support a restoration.
Why Opt for Crown Lengthening
Firstly, we can ensure your restoration fits properly when you have a crown lengthening procedure. As a result, there will be fewer areas where bacteria can enter and cause gum disease. Remember that a poorly fitting restoration could also irritate your gum line, causing discomfort.
Moreover, increasing the crown length will make the smile more aesthetically appealing. You won’t have a “gummy smile.” Instead, you’ll have the perfect balance of gum and tooth to create a harmonious, visually pleasing smile.
Moreover, think about what makes a beautiful smile. One factor is symmetry. Through this procedure, we can create it by targeting smaller-than-average teeth to enhance the look of your smile.
As we give your teeth a longer appearance, we also make it easier to care for them. You’ll be able to brush and floss more efficiently, removing bacteria and food debris more easily.
We may advise you to have this procedure before you undergo a more complex dental procedure, such as a root canal, to promote durability and longevity and a high success rate for the restoration.
Know the Procedure Isn’t Extensive
Fortunately, if you’d like to improve your gum health, prevent specific issues, and enhance the aesthetics of your smile, you won’t have to undergo an extensive procedure to elongate your tooth’s crown.
Typically, the entire process takes less than an hour, though it could be longer if you’re having multiple teeth done.
During this procedure, a periodontist in Vero Beach may administer a local anesthetic at the site to stop any pain. Depending on the extent of your case and if you have dental fears, we may also recommend a sedative.
Our dentist will then make an incision in the gum tissue and may remove part of it. Sometimes, our practitioner will also extract a small portion of bone.
After, our dental care provider will cleanse the area to remove debris, tissue, blood, etc., from the region. This part of the process also lessens bacteria, reducing your chances of an infection.
Overall, there is little risk with this procedure. Though you could develop an infection, your chances are no greater during this treatment than any other oral surgical procedure. Plus, your likelihood diminishes whenever you care for the region as directed.
Recovery Isn’t Bad
If you worry about a lengthy recovery or complications to achieve the benefits, don’t!
Once you return home, you may have some pain, but nothing major. We recommend you take an over-the-counter pain reliever to combat it.
Our staff will also provide specialized mouthwash to keep the area clean.
Don’t be surprised if you have bleeding or increased tooth sensitivity. These issues will subside with time.
Moreover, you’ll have to avoid hot foods only for the first 24 hours. You’ll also need to eat a soft-food diet for at least the first week.
If you need or want a crown lengthening procedure, contact our dentist in Vero Beach. We offer the procedure and will take every precaution to ensure your safety and satisfaction with the results. And it might not be nearly as entailed or intense as you thought.