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You could have concerns if your dentist has suggested crown lengthening. What exactly is it? Does it hurt? Is it cosmetic or necessary for treatment? And what happens during the procedure?
Let’s walk through it together. This blog will break everything down—what crown lengthening is, why it’s done, what happens during the procedure, and how to care for your mouth afterward. If you’re considering Crown Lengthening in Mount Pleasant, SC, you’ll gain a good understanding of what to expect and how it can enhance both the health and appearance of your smile.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
By removing part of the surrounding gum tissue and, in certain situations, some bone, crown lengthening is a dental procedure that reveals more of the original tooth. It’s often necessary before placing a dental crown or filling if there’sn’t enough tooth above the gum line. By adjusting the gum line for a more balanced appearance, it can also be utilized to correct a “gummy” smile.
The entire gum line, a few teeth, or just one tooth might all undergo this kind of treatment. It is frequently used in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. It is essential to ensure that dental work has a strong base.
Why Would You Need Crown Lengthening?
There are a few common reasons your dentist might suggest this procedure:
1. Not Enough Tooth for a Crown or Filling
Sometimes, a tooth breaks near the gum line or decays deeply below the surface. That leaves too little tooth to attach a crown or filling safely. Crown lengthening makes more of the tooth visible, allowing your dentist to work with a larger surface area.
2. Improving the Look of Your Smile
Crown lengthening also acts as a type of gum contouring if you think your teeth seem small or have an uneven gum line. Your smile will seem cleaner and more even because the gums will be reshaped to expose more of the tooth structure.
3. Fixing Deep Gum Pockets
In some cases, this procedure is also used to reduce deep gum pockets. These pockets can trap bacteria, leading to more serious issues, such as gum disease. Removing extra tissue helps you clean your teeth more effectively and maintain healthier gums in the long term.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening isn’t just about looks—it has real benefits for your oral health. Here’s how it helps:
- Fixes a “gummy” smile by making your teeth appear longer
- Exposes more tooth surface so crowns or fillings fit properly
- Reduces deep gum pockets that can trap bacteria
- Improves access for cleaning, which helps prevent gum disease
- Creates a more even gum line, improving symmetry
- Helps preserve the health of your gums and teeth
- Delivers immediate results, though full healing takes time
- Lasts for years, especially with good oral hygiene
If you’re considering Crown Lengthening in Mount Pleasant, SC, these benefits can help you decide if it’s worth it for your specific dental needs.
Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Crown Lengthening Procedure?
Knowing what to expect can take the edge off any nerves. Here’s how the procedure usually goes from start to finish.
Step 1: Evaluation and Planning
First, your periodontist or general dentist will assess the tooth or area in question. If you’re getting a crown or filling, they’ll check how much tooth is exposed and decide how much gum (and possibly bone) needs to be removed. They may take X-rays or scans to carefully plan the treatment.
Step 2: Local Anesthesia
When it’s time for the actual procedure, local anesthesia will be used to numb the area. Most people feel pressure but not pain during the treatment. If you’re feeling nervous, consider discussing sedation options with your dentist.
Step 3: Gum Tissue Removal
To extract the gums from the teeth, the dentist will create tiny incisions. The appropriate portion of the tooth will then be exposed after they carefully remove adequate tissue. For extra stability, they may also remove a small amount of bone around the root if necessary.
This part of the procedure is often quick, taking about an hour per tooth.
Step 4: Cleaning and Stitching
The gums will be sewn into place once the bone and gum have been reshaped, and the region will be cleansed. To protect the region as it begins to heal, you may be given a bandage.
Step 5: Post-Procedure Instructions
You’ll receive detailed care instructions, including instructions on how to clean your mouth, information on which foods to avoid, and guidance on which medications to take. Healing begins immediately, but full recovery can take several weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.
What Should You Do Before the Procedure?
Your dental team will give you specific instructions, but in general, here’s how you can prepare:
- Maintain excellent oral hygiene leading up to your appointment
- Avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they can interfere with healing
- Let your dentist know about any medications you’re taking
- Eat a good meal before your appointment, since you may need to avoid food for a few hours afterward
- Arrange a ride home, especially if you’re being sedated
What’s the Recovery Like?
After crown lengthening, it’s normal to experience some soreness, mild swelling, or slight bleeding. To help alleviate your discomfort, your dentist may offer over-the-counter remedies or prescription pain relievers.
Complete healing of the gums usually takes 6 to 12 weeks. After that, your dentist can place a crown or perform any needed restoration.
Is Crown Lengthening Safe?
Yes, it’s a common and safe dental surgery when performed by an experienced provider. Like all surgical procedures, it carries a small risk of infection or delayed healing; however, these issues are rare, especially if you follow the post-operative instructions.
Working with a qualified specialist is important. If you’re seeking Crown Lengthening in Mount Pleasant, SC, choose a provider with a strong track record like Periodontic Specialists by Solomon Dental.
Why Choose Periodontic Specialists by Solomon Dental?
This isn’t just any dental office. At Periodontic Specialists by Solomon Dental, you’ll be cared for by a team that focuses on periodontal health and gum-related procedures every day. Their experience with gum reshaping, tooth exposure, and dental crown prep ensures your crown lengthening is done with precision and care.
They’ll guide you from the first consultation through full recovery, always keeping your comfort and results in mind. Whether you need treatment for one tooth or your whole gum line, they offer solutions that support long-term oral health and appearance. Contact us to speak with a dental expert today and find out if crown lengthening is right for you.
