What You Need to Know About Crown Lengthening

What Is a Crown Lengthening Procedure?

Crowns are caps shaped according to your teeth and fit over your natural teeth for structural or aesthetic reasons. Dentists usually recommend crowns when a tooth breaks or cracks. They can also be used with certain dental procedures such as root canals, dental implants, or bridges.

Crown lengthening is a procedure performed by dental surgeons that comprises the re-contouring of the gum tissue, and sometimes the dental bone, to expose a tooth’s surface for the proper fitting of a crown. This is a commonly conducted procedure that takes around an hour to complete.

Why Is a Crown Lengthening Procedure Done?

A crown lengthening procedure can be very important if there isn’t enough exposure of the tooth’s surface to hold the crown in place. Broken, chipped teeth or decayed teeth often prevent a crown from attaching firmly.

The procedure reduces the gum tissue and cuts down the bone if necessary so that more of the tooth shows above the gum’s surface. Some individuals also opt for crown lengthening to amend a ‘gummy smile,’ in which the gums are visible above the teeth when smiling.

How to Prepare for a Crown Lengthening

You may be fitted with a temporary crown until you can undergo your crown lengthening procedure. The placement of a temporary crown protects your tooth for the time being and makes the fitting of your new crown much easier.

Before your crown lengthening procedure, you will meet with the periodontist to discuss your medical history and show them your dental x-rays. You must also tell them about any medications you take during this appointment so that they can tell you if you need to discontinue any medications for the procedure.

A crown lengthening procedure is a regular dental procedure. When performed by a qualified professional, you can expect it to go very smoothly. If you are looking for a dentist to get a crown lengthening procedure, Call us at (385) 626-0977 to book an appointment at our clinic Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics!