1011 E Prescott Rd
Salina, KS 67401
PERIODONTAL PROCEDURES
Crown Lengthening
About Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is generally performed in order to improve the health of the gum tissue, or to prepare the mouth for restorative or cosmetic procedures.
In addition, 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. This treatment can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth or the entire gum line, to expose a pleasant, aesthetically pleasing smile.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a versatile and 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
Periodontal disease can cause severe damage to the teeth, as can trauma and decay. Where teeth have been broken beneath the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to prepare the area for a new restoration to correct the damaged teeth.
Cosmetic Enhancements
Extra gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short, and also increase susceptibility to periodontal infections. Removing excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and thus improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
Preparing for Dental Crowns
Crown lengthening serves to provide more space between the supporting jawbone and dental crown. This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once it is in place.
The Crown Lengthening Process
Crown lengthening is normally performed under local anesthetic. The amount of time required largely depends on how many teeth are involved and whether a small amount of bone needs to be removed, in addition to the soft tissue. Any existing dental crowns will be removed prior to the procedure and replaced immediately afterwards.
To begin, a series of small incisions are made 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 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 crown. In other cases, Dr. Moeller will also need to remove a small amount of bone from around the teeth. The bone is usually removed using a combination of special hand instruments and rotary instruments. The rotary instruments roughly resemble the drill that is used in cavity treatment.
Once the teeth have sufficient exposure, the wound is cleaned with sterile water and the gum tissue is sutured with small stitches. The teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned.
Finally, the surgical site is secured using a periodontal bandage to prevent infection. 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. Complete healing requires approximately two to three months.
Real Results of Crown Lengthening Procedures by Dr. Moeller
At Great Plains Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Moeller provides crown lengthening procedures with exceptional precision and outstanding results.
