After Crown Lengthening, Even and Esthetic Gumline
Crown lengthening is done for 2 basic reasons. First, to provide
sufficient room for the restorative dentist to accomplish the filling,
crown or bridge. Second, to improve the contour or shape of the overall
gum to enhance the appearance of the smile or improve the clensibility.
Below are an example of each situation.
Often the laser is used
to accomplish this surgical procedure. The laser minimizes bleeding and
the healing is similar to that of a pizza burn normally. But sometimes,
the bone around the tooth must be slightly altered to allow the gum to
be raised. A small incision is used to access the underlying bone and
the adjustments are made. The area is then closed with sutures, usually
the kind that "dissolve" and the wound heals like a small cut.
To
the left, the top photo shows an uneven gumline affecting the
appearance in the smile. The bottom photo shows the altered and healed
gum in an even more natual appearing contour.
Before Crown Lengthening, Insufficient Tooth for Crowns
After Crown Lengthening, More Tooth Shows
New Crowns Placed by General Dentist
Insufficient available tooth structure may not allow the restorative
dentist to do the best job. Crown lengthening can provide additional
tooth for the dentist to provide a better and longer lasting
restoration.
The crown lengthening procedure is normally done in
the periodontal office with local anesthetic and heals like a small
cut. The area will have a few sutures that "dissolve" and normally mild
pain medication might be required for few days.
Usually about 6
weeks to 2 months time will pass before the restorative dentist will
choose to start the restorative phase to allow the gum to mature not
just heal. During this time temporary crowns or fillings are used
normally.
There are limits to the amount of crown length that
can be achieved and that is why a consultation is usually scheduled to
allow the area to be assessed and for the patient understand the
options available. If the decay is too deep or the fracture is too
deep, occasionally the tooth is better extracted and other restorative
options are considered such as a partial denture, a cemented bridge or
a dental implant.
Some people have "gummy smiles". Occasionally, following orthodontic
therapy that is performed in the growing years results in a thicker gum
also. The thick gingiva can be contoured to appear more natural
enhancing the benefits of orthodontic straightening. This procedure is
often performed with the laser which minimizes bleeding and heals
similar to a pizza burn normally. In some cases, other surgical options
are considered. At the consultation, all the options and more treatment
details can be explained for the particular situation at hand.
