Crown lengthening is a lesser-known procedure often performed by dentists for a variety of reasons. While it is typically known as an elective cosmetic procedure, that’s not the only way it can benefit your smile. Continue reading to learn what crown lengthening is, some situations when it is used, and whether you would make a good candidate for the treatment.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
It occurs when a dentist removes part of the gum to expose more of the underlying tooth. This is done with a soft-tissue laser. It uses a highly concentrated beam of light to remove excess gum tissue precisely and painlessly. This treatment can be completed on just one tooth or multiple teeth, depending on your particular needs.
Perks of Crown Lengthening
There are a few reasons why you may choose to undergo crown lengthening. Here are some common ones:
- Repairing Teeth: Whether it’s due to tooth decay or dental trauma, if teeth are damaged below the gumline, crown lengthening may be utilized to expose the damaged area and enable a crown to be placed atop the structurally compromised tooth.
- Gummy Smiles: While this isn’t usually an issue that will affect your oral health, it can be hard on your self-esteem if you aren’t confident about the appearance of your teeth. If you have always thought you had smaller-than-average teeth, the issue could be the amount of gum tissue present. By gently removing a small amount of tissue, it can make a huge difference in your smile.
- Dental Crowns: Some patients don’t have enough tooth structure above the gumline to allow for the proper fitting of a crown. If one is placed in this situation, it can damage the gums and cause chronic inflammation and discomfort. This procedure can help ensure the new crown fits the tooth more comfortably and securely.
- Enable an Extraction: A tooth extraction may require the removal of excess periodontal tissue around the tooth in question. In some situations, crown lengthening allows for a safer, quicker, and easier extraction process.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Crown Lengthening?
Your dentist can determine whether this is the right procedure for you. Usually, it is performed on patients with protruding gums, teeth that appear short, cracked teeth in need of dental crowns, or uneven gumlines.
Crown lengthening may be able to transform your smile! Talk to your dentist to discover if it is the right option for you.
About the Author
Dr. Breanne Dufault earned her dental doctorate from the University of Connecticut. A Diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics, she is certified in dental implant placement. If you are interested in crown lengthening, Dr. Dufault is ready to help you capitalize on the advantages of this treatment. You can schedule a consultation on her website or call (239) 300-2767.