Crown lengthening can be necessary if there isn’t enough of the tooth in place to hold the crown on its own. Teeth that are broken or affected by tooth decay may prohibit a crown from firmly attaching.
What is crown lengthening?
Dentists perform crown lengthening by recontouring gum tissue, and sometimes bone, to expose more of a tooth’s surface for a crown. It’s a common procedure and often takes less than an hour to complete. Some people seek crown lengthening to alter a “gummy smile,” in which the gums are visible above the teeth when smiling.
What is involved during the crown lengthening procedure?
Most people receive local anaesthetic, and some may receive a sedative as well. The dentist cuts the gums to pull them away from the teeth, exposing the roots and bone. In some cases, only the gum tissue needs to be removed. The dentist then washes the surgical area with salt water before suturing. They suture the gums back together, sometimes placing a bandage over the area for additional protection.
You will feel some pain after the local anaesthetic wears off, so your dentist will prescribe you pain relievers and a specialized mouth rinse to help your gums heal.
What are the risks?
There is some risk of infection with crown lengthening, but no more than with other surgical procedures. You should follow all postoperative care instructions to help prevent infection.
You might experience bleeding at the surgical site after the procedure, and your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. The sensitivity will ease with time. Your tooth might look longer than the neighbouring teeth, and if bone was removed, the tooth may feel looser. If you lose your tooth in the future, the crown lengthening might make it more difficult for the dentist to place a dental implant.
What will the recovery be like?
The recovery time for this procedure is approximately three months. However, you’ll be able to resume normal functions as your gums heal. You only need to avoid strenuous activity for the first two to three days. A physically demanding job, heavy lifting, and heavy exertion could inhibit your healing and cause more bleeding.
Prior to leave the surgery you will be given a detailed set of aftercare instructions to ensure the best possible recovery.
What are the benefits of crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening can save a tooth – If a natural crown has broken but the tooth can still be saved, it may be necessary to remove excess gum tissue from around the tooth in order to work on it and to install a dental crown.
Crown lengthening can improve your smile – A multi-tooth crown lengthening operation may even out an inconsistent gum line or lower the whole thing if it is up too high and hiding your pearly whites!
Crown lengthening helps to reduce the risk of tooth decay – Oral health problems, including tooth decay, are less likely with normal gums versus “high” gums because high gums cover up areas of your tooth that therefore cannot be brushed and kept free of bacteria.