Crown Lengthening
What is crown lengthening procedure?
Crown lengthening is a localized surgical procedure to reshape gum tissue and possibly the underlying bone tissue to expose more tooth structure and to restore physiological relationship between teeth and gum. This procedure is indicated in several cases,
- Teeth which are decayed or broken beyond the natural gum line.
- Insufficient structure of the tooth for a proper restoration such as a bridge or a crown.
- Excessive gum or gummy smile.
It normally begins with professional tooth cleaning. This gets rid of any tartar and plaque on the teeth before the procedure begins. In a case where the tooth is broken, a temporary crown on the tooth may be required prior to the procedure. The temporary crown makes the job easier for the periodontist because they are able to see the tooth clearly so as to determine how much gum tissue and bone to reshape. The procedure can take between 1-2 hours depending on how much gum tissue is being removed.
A crown lengthening surgery is versatile. It can be performed for purely aesthetic purposes. This is where it is done to make the smile look good. It can also be done as part of repairing broken or decayed teeth. The results can be seen in one to two weeks after the gums are no longer swollen.