Is Crown Lengthening the Next Step for You?

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that may be recommended by your dentist or periodontist for a few different reasons. But why? And what is it? 

Let’s take a closer look at crown lengthening so you can gain a better understanding – and decide whether it is the right next step for you. 

What is Crown Lengthening? 

Crown lengthening is an oral surgery that is more common than you might imagine. It is frequently used by periodontists to make the teeth look longer by removing some of the surrounding soft gum tissue. 

Oftentimes, there are certain dental procedures that need to be performed in order to restore a tooth’s functionality. Yet, when there is too much gum – and not enough tooth – it makes it tough for this treatment to be effective. With crown lengthening, it gives the dental professional more surface to work with in order to successfully treat the tooth. 

As for cosmetic purposes, crown lengthening is often a great choice for those looking to reshape their gums and make them more symmetrical. 

During the procedure, the patient will receive a local anesthetic and possibly sedation, too, depending on the need. Once numb, the periodontist will make an incision in the soft tissue, removing the necessary amount and stitching the remainder so that it may heal. 

While crown lengthening is considered an oral surgery, it is safe with very little risk at all. And with a high rate of proven success, this effective procedure can be very beneficial for those who need it. 

Signs You May Need Crown Lengthening

Only a skilled periodontist can determine whether or not you could benefit from crown lengthening. However, there are a few signs you can pay attention to that may signal it is the best step for you to take next when it comes to your oral health. These include: 

• Teeth appear too short – or a smile that shows too much of your gums
• Tooth decay that has made its way below the gums
• A broken or fractured tooth that goes below the gumline

Is Crown Lengthening the Next Step for You? 

If you are experiencing any of the above, you may find that crown lengthening is the perfect next step for you. As its name suggests, a crown lengthening procedure increases the amount of tooth that is visible while decreasing that gummy smile.  

Any tooth that is suffering from decay or a breakage underneath the gums makes many restoration efforts difficult. By undergoing crown lengthening, it improves the chance that your periodontist will be able to successfully restore the tooth – and your oral health. The reason? It allows more options for repair. For example, crowns and veneers will require the tooth’s surface to act as an anchor. So, having more of it exposed can allow this to happen.  

Of course, feeling confident with your smile is very important, too. If you are interested in reshaping your gums – and reducing them – this could be a great option. 

Christopher J Couri, DDS performs a thorough assessment of your dental health and provide services such as dental implants, crown lengthening, bone grafting and more.