Crown lengthening may sound like a complex procedure, but it's actually quite straightforward. By understanding what it entails and how it can benefit you, you'll be equipped with the knowledge to make an informed decision about your oral health.

The Procedure: What to Expect

The crown lengthening procedure is a relatively straightforward dental surgery that aims to expose more of the tooth's surface by removing excess gum and bone tissue. If you're considering this treatment, it's natural to be curious about what to expect during the procedure. Your periodontist will conduct a thorough examination and take X-rays to evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums. This step is crucial in determining if crown lengthening is necessary or if alternative treatments may be more appropriate.

On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to ensure your comfort throughout. Your periodontist will carefully remove small sections of gum tissue or bone surrounding the tooth, sculpting them into an ideal shape for proper aesthetics and function. Following the surgery, you may experience some discomfort or swelling, but these symptoms can typically be managed with over-the-counter pain medication and ice packs. It's important to maintain good oral hygiene during recovery by gently brushing and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash as directed by your periodontist.

In terms of long-term expectations, you should notice improved symmetry between your gums and teeth, allowing for better oral hygiene practices and enhancing overall smile esthetics.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

• One of the significant benefits of crown lengthening treatment is its ability to improve the aesthetics of your smile. If you have a "gummy" smile or teeth that appear too short, crown lengthening can help create a more balanced and proportionate look. By removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gum line, this procedure exposes more of your natural tooth structure, making your teeth look longer and more attractive.
• Another advantage of crown lengthening is its role in improving oral health. When there is an excessive amount of gum tissue covering the teeth, it becomes difficult to clean properly during brushing and flossing. This can lead to plaque buildup and bacteria accumulation along the gum line, increasing the risk of periodontal disease. By reducing excess gum tissue through crown lengthening, it becomes easier to maintain good oral hygiene habits and prevent future dental problems.
• In addition to aesthetic improvements and better oral hygiene, crown lengthening also offers functional benefits. In cases where a tooth needs restoration with a dental crown or filling but lacks sufficient tooth structure above the gumline for proper placement, this treatment allows for adequate access to restorative procedures.
• If you have experienced trauma or injury that has resulted in a fractured tooth below the gumline, crown lengthening can expose enough tooth structure so that it can be repaired effectively.

At LAGOS Periodontics & Dental Implants, Rodrigo A. Lagos, DDS, MS, practices a full scope of periodontics with expertise in preventive periodontics, cosmetic periodontal surgery, gum grafting, and dental implants. To schedule an appointment, call us at 760-568-3421 or visit our practice at 36945 Cook St., Suite 101, Palm Desert, CA 92260.