Crown Lengthening – Dallas, TX
Reshape Your Gumline and Enhance Your Smile
Having too much gum tissue can get in the way of placing a dental crown. If you have a “gummy” smile, you may be wondering if you’re unable to get the restoration. Luckily, our practice offers crown lengthening to make room in your smile for a dental crown. Although it’s quite similar to gum recontouring, the main difference is that the procedure is performed for restorative reasons rather than cosmetic. If you’d like to learn more about this service, continue reading or give our office a call today!
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a simple procedure that reshapes the gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth structure. Typically, when a tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient crown height, there may not be enough available tooth structure to accommodate restoration procedures.
If you need to have a restoration placed, like a dental crown, this service adjusts the amount of gum tissue you have to accommodate it. It allows your new restoration to have the correct length and shape, giving you a beautiful smile.
The Crown Lengthening Process
Before the procedure begins, our team will use a local anesthetic to numb the surgical area. We’ll make sure you’re completely comfortable before moving forward.
During surgery, the excess gum tissue is removed to expose more of the “crown” of the tooth. Your gumline will be sculpted to make space for your new restoration. It’s worth noting that most patients experience little to no discomfort throughout this process.
Following your procedure, you can expect the treated area to feel slightly tender, sore, and swollen. Make sure you diligently follow your periodontist’s aftercare instructions to make a speedy and smooth sailing recovery. Painkillers and antibiotics may be prescribed to help relieve discomfort and prevent infection from occurring. In many cases, patients can expect to return to their normal routines the day after their surgery.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
There are many benefits to a crown lengthening procedure, including:
- Ability to pursue restorative treatment. If you weren’t able to get a new restoration because of excess gum tissue, this procedure can help you become a candidate.
- Long-lasting results. Oftentimes, the results of this service can last a lifetime.
- Improved oral health. Overgrown gum tissue can trap food and present other oral health risks. By removing the excess amount, you can lower the risk of gum irritation and other problems.