What is the crown lengthening procedure?
When you smile, if your teeth appear unusually short, you may have what’s known as a gummy smile. A gummy smile is characterized by the appearance of disproportionately long gums, usually measuring three millimeters or more, that make the teeth appear much shorter than they are. If you have a gummy smile, a periodontist can perform a minor surgical procedure, called a crown lengthening procedure, to remove a small amount of excess gum tissue, and possibly bone tissue, reshaping both and exposing a larger amount of the tooth surface. The surface of the tooth that is visible beyond the gumline is known as the crown; quite simply, a crown lengthening procedure lengthens the amount of crown that is visible. Your dentist may also recommend a crown lengthening procedure if you require a dental crown or other restoration but have a broken, damaged, or decayed tooth, or if your tooth otherwise lacks a sufficient amount of exposed structure to effectively and securely support a restoration.
Because crown lengthening procedures are recommended for different reasons, the number of teeth and amount of gum tissue that will be treated varies. Some crown lengthening procedures reshape the entire gumline, while others are performed to expose more of the surface of a single tooth. The crown lengthening procedure is performed by a dental surgery specialist called a periodontist; periodontists specialize primarily in the prevention and treatment of gum disease and in the placement of dental implants and similar restorations. Even the crown lengthening procedures that are performed for cosmetic reasons may also have therapeutic benefits, as it is easier to clean teeth that are more exposed and less surrounded by gum tissue. Crown lengthening can also expose cavities that may exist just below the gumline, allowing them to be effectively treated. It may also be necessary if there are areas of fractured tooth below the gumline, or if a greater amount of exposed tooth is necessary to support a restoration, such as a dental crown or bridge.
If you might be interested in a crown lengthening procedure for cosmetic reasons, talk to your dentist. The treatment isn’t appropriate for everyone, but if you are a good candidate, your dentist can talk to you about what the procedure will entail for you. It’s important to have healthy gums and teeth before a crown lengthening procedure, and brushing the teeth twice daily and flossing daily is the best way to improve and maintain the health of the teeth and gums. If your dentist thinks you may be a good candidate for a crown lengthening procedure, you will be referred to a periodontist for a presurgical analysis. This analysis allows the periodontist to determine the proper location of the resculpted gumline, determining the proper amount of gum tissue that must be retained for optimal oral health. They will also review x-rays and assess your mouth, teeth, and gums to determine the best surgical technique for your needs. If you are undergoing a crown lengthening procedure to better accommodate a dental restoration, like a bridge or crown, your gums must be completely healed before this restoration can be placed. If you’re having a crown lengthening procedure for cosmetic reasons, you can expect a newly beautified smile after a brief healing period, though it will take the gums a few months to completely heal.