The Crown Lengthening Procedure: An Introduction

Most patients assume that dental crowns are only done when a person has issues with part of their tooth. However, dental crowns can also be used if your teeth seem short in comparison to your gumline. Crown lengthening is a procedure that involves using a dental crown to extend the surface area of your teeth so the gums appear shorter and your smile appears fuller. Here is a look at some of the things you may want to know about a crown lengthening procedure.

Why is the crown lengthening procedure done?

The crown lengthening process is specifically used to help elongate the shape of the teeth. The crown is placed on a larger surface than just the exposed tooth. The gum line is pulled back to expose more of the underlying tooth and the crown covers that area so the tooth appears taller and the gum line is shorter.

How long will the procedure take?

The procedure itself does not take a long time to complete, but it does take longer than an ordinary crown. The dentist uses special tools to contour the gum line, and sutures are placed in the gums after the crown is placed to encourage healing. You can expect the recovery time to be about three months in its entirety, but you can resume normal activities within a few days. You may have to return to the dentist several times within the recovery period to ensure your mouth is healing properly.

Who is a good candidate for crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening procedures are most often done on patients that are concerned that they have a “gummy” smile. In general, the procedure is only a possibility if the patient has an otherwise healthy mouth. Proper healing is important after the crown is placed, so patients that have a high risk of infection may not be the best candidates.

Talk to Us About Dental Crowns in Reseda, CA

With the help of a good dentist, a smile that is lacking in cosmetic appeal can be altered for the better. If you have issues with your smile, talk to us at Canby Dental about dental crown procedures and other cosmetic ways we can help you with your smile in Reseda, CA.