Read below to learn more about our Crown Lengthening Procedures here in Wilkes-Barre…
Esthetic crown lengthening can be greatly beneficial to those that feel they have a “gummy” smile. Essentially known as a “gum lift”, this relatively simple procedure usually takes about an hour to perform. During the procedure, to expose more of the natural tooth, the doctor removes excess gum and bone tissue and reshapes the smile. While this gum reduction surgery can be performed on just one tooth, it is often done to the entire smile. A wider, more beautiful smile, is the end result because more of the natural tooth surface is exposed.
Preserving the health of a smile can also be done through esthetic crown lengthening. Reduction surgery can help control and prevent periodontal disease by removing excess gum tissue. Increasing the exposed surface are of the tooth will decrease the depth of the periodontal pockets where bacteria can grow between your teeth and gums, harming your oral health.
To prevent pain and discomfort, prior to the procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered by your doctor. In order to separate the gums from the teeth, small incisions will be made in the gum tissue. In certain cases, a small amount of bone will also be removed as to create a more natural smile. The doctor will use sterile water to clean the incisions and place sutures and a protective bandage over the area, once the procedure is completed. Doing so will encourage the newly contoured gums and teeth to reattach to each other. A follow up scheduled one to two weeks after the procedure to evaluate healing.
In order to perform a cosmetic or restorative procedure, functional crown lengthening will be needed. A tooth that has been broken below the gum line, has insufficient structure for a restoration like a crown or bridge, or is too far decayed will require this procedure to move forward. Just simply trimming back the gum line is not sufficient enough. Instead, for adequate room to place high quality restoration, the gum and supporting bone will need to be reshaped.
Similar to esthetic crown lengthening, local anesthetic will be administered prior to the start of the procedure. To remove the gum tissue and reshape the area, small incisions are required. Once the gum reduction is complete, your doctor will place sutures that will need to be removed in one to two weeks. The final restoration can be placed usually in six to eight weeks, once the area has completely healed.
You may be in need of gum reduction surgery if you have excess gum tissue that is affecting your smile, or the ability to have a tooth restored. Call your doctor today for a consultation.
