CROWN LENGTHENING IN MOBILE, AL
CROWN LENGTHENING
Every tooth consists of a crown and a root. The crown is what you see above the gum line, and the root sits below. With that said, sometimes the crown of the tooth requires lengthening. This can be done by removing some gum and possibly bone. Once the procedure is completed, the patient’s gums become even and healthy.
Dental Problems and Situations That Lead to Crown Lengthening
There are a few issues that might require crown lengthening. A very common situation would be a broken tooth as the result of an accident or trauma. If the tooth is broken right above the gum line, there may not be enough of the tooth remaining for the Dr. Schrader at West Mobile Dental Care to predictably restore with a full coverage crown. By performing crown lengthening, we are able to provide more solid tooth structure above the gum and bone to serve as a foundation for the new crown.
Another dental issue that may arise is a significant cavity that extends below the gum line. Cavities don’t always occur on the chewing surface of the tooth. If plaque builds up on the side tooth under the gum, it can penetrate the enamel and cause tooth decay. By performing a crown lengthening procedure, the staff at West Mobile Dental Care can better access and remove the decay. With more tooth structure above the gum and bone, Dr. Schrader is able to create a well-sealed composite filling or crown.
If you smile and show an excess amount of gums, it might be advantageous to have a crown lengthening procedure. Cosmetic in nature, the crown lengthening will eliminate some of the excess gum tissue and reveal more of the underlying tooth structure. It may also be a good move for your overall oral health as well. People with excess gum display in their smile may have a higher incidence of contracting gingivitis or gum infections. The excess tissue sometimes can create gum pockets that are difficult to manage, and if not addressed within a reasonable amount of time, can be damaging to the supporting structures of the tooth.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
After an X-ray has revealed that crown lengthening is necessary to predictably restore a broken or decayed tooth, you will be appointed for the procedure. A local anesthetic will be administered to numb the gums and bone around the compromised tooth. Dr. Schrader will remove the excess gum tissue. In some cases, this alone may be enough to expose more of the tooth. On other occasions, some of the surrounding bone may need to be removed to make the extended crown look better or to make a more solid tooth structure for a crown. Following the procedure, a few sutures may be placed to keep the gum tissue in its new position.
Recovery from Crown Lengthening
Dr. Schrader will likely ask that you return in 1-2 weeks for a post-operative reevaluation. Initially, you will need to ice for a few hours to reduce the swelling. You’ll be asked to follow a soft diet and to avoid brushing near the sutured gums. In seven to ten days, the stitches will be removed, and in about four to six weeks, you will have another follow-up visit. You may experience some sensitivity to hot and cold, but this will pass, as it is possible some previously exposed root structure is now visible. You’ll want to keep an eye on the gums to watch for any possible infection or swelling. Once the gums have healed, you will proceed with the crown to restore the broken tooth. In some instances, a temporary crown can be placed during the healing phase in order to contour the gum tissue or provide better esthetics for the broken tooth.
The Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening helps to improve the visual appearance of a tooth or teeth that have a “gummy smile.” It can also be helpful when preparing for the placement of crowns or veneers. If you are concerned about your smile and the amount of gum showing, reach out today to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We’ll inspect your teeth and gums to determine if gum lengthening is the right procedure to meet your needs.