When Is Crown Lengthening Necessary?

Crown lengthening is a pretty common dental procedure, but most patients don’t know exactly what it is, who needs it, or how it works. In this blog from Vivid Smiles, we’ll discuss the basics, including why you may need crown lengthening, how it works, and what you can expect as you recover from the procedure at our Terre Haute dental office.

What Is Crown Lengthening, And When Would I Need This Treatment?

Crown lengthening is an oral surgery that involves the removal of gum tissue, and sometimes bone, from around one or more of your teeth. This is done to make the “crown” (top of your tooth) look longer by exposing more of the tooth’s surface. There are two primary reasons that you may need a crown lengthening procedure:

• Preparing for tooth repair – If your tooth is heavily decayed or infected, crown lengthening may be needed to expose more of the damaged tooth material. The gums can cover up damaged enamel. Reshaping and moving the gums allows Dr. Sahai or Dr. Paruchuri to expose this tooth material, treat your tooth, and repair it with a restoration like a dental crown.
• “Gummy” or uneven smile – Crown lengthening may sometimes be used for purely cosmetic purposes. Some people may have uneven gums or a “gummy smile.” If your gums cover up your teeth, this can make them look small and imbalanced. In this case, crown lengthening can be used to remove excess gum tissue, create appealing contours around your teeth, and enhance the overall appearance and balance of your teeth. There are also some non-surgical alternatives to crown lengthening, such as Botox. Botox injections can reduce the amount that your lip curls when you smile, hiding more of your gums and creating a more balanced appearance.

What To Expect From The Crown Lengthening Process

Before your surgery you’ll come in to have x-rays taken of your mouth, to discuss your medical history, and to get a comprehensive oral exam from Dr. Paruchuri or Dr. Sahai. Then, they’ll create your surgical plan.

At your next appointment, you’ll get your surgery. It takes about an hour to perform your treatment at Vivid Smiles. Your mouth will be cleaned and numbed, and we also offer dental sedation to keep you comfortable.

Then, Dr. Paruchuri or Dr. Sahai will follow your surgical treatment plan, and use surgical tools to remove some gum tissue and/or bone tissue from each tooth that is being treated. They will lengthen the tooth and create an even, appealing, symmetrical appearance.

Once your treatment is over, you’ll be sent home with a set of recovery instructions to keep your mouth healthy as you heal from treatment. Initial healing usually takes 7-10 days, but it could take several months for your mouth to heal completely. During this time, you’ll need to come back to our office for a few follow-ups after your surgery so that Dr. Sahai or Dr. Paruchuri can make sure you’re healing properly.

Interested In Crown Lengthening In Terre Haute? Contact Vivid Smiles Today!

At Vivid Smiles, our team is always accepting new patients. Whether you need crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons or to protect your oral health and restore a damaged tooth, Dr. Paruchuri and Dr. Sahai are here for you. Contact us online or give us a call at (812) 803-2340, and get the help you need in Terre Haute today.