How Dental Crown Lengthening Can Improve Your Smile at Vahid Khoshkam, DDS, MS
Many people aren't aware of how much the gums contribute to a balanced and appealing smile. When there's an excess of gum tissue, it can make the teeth appear shorter and create a "gummy" smile. Additionally, if a tooth needs restoration, but there isn't enough of the tooth structure exposed to secure a crown or a bridge, a dental crown lengthening can make that possible.
Dental crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum line to expose more of the tooth's crown, thereby enhancing your smile or facilitating the necessary conditions for further dental work.
Steps for crown lengthening
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure performed by a periodontist or an oral surgeon. Here are the general steps:
- Consultation and Planning: The first step is to meet with your dentist or periodontist to discuss your needs and treatment plan.
- Local Anesthesia: Before the procedure starts, a local anesthetic will be applied
- Incision and Gum Tissue Removal: Once the area is numb, the periodontist will make small incisions in your gum to separate the gums from the teeth. The gum tissue is then removed to expose more of the tooth.
- Bone Removal (If Necessary): In some cases, the periodontist might need to remove a small amount of bone from around the roots of the teeth.
- Cleaning and Stitches: The area is washed with sterile salt water and the gums are stitched back together.
- Recovery: You'll be given instructions on how to care for your mouth as it heals.
- Follow-up Visits: You'll return to the dentist or periodontist for a follow-up visit.
- Final Restoration (if applicable): If the crown lengthening procedure was done to prepare for a restoration, the final crown or filling will be placed once your gums have fully healed.
Remember that these steps may vary somewhat depending on the specifics of your situation, your oral health.
Transform Your Smile at El Paso Periodontics & Implant Specialists
At El Paso Periodontics & Implant Specialists, we understand that a beautiful smile can be transformative, boosting your self-esteem and improving your overall quality of life. And if you're in need of a restorative procedure, dental crown lengthening is an essential first step.
Our experienced periodontists in El Paso are skilled in performing dental crown lengthening procedures with precision and care. We're committed to providing a safe, comfortable experience for every patient.
Don't let your smile hold you back. Reach out to El Paso Periodontics & Implant Specialists, and let's explore how dental crown lengthening can benefit you. Call us today at 915-581-6688. We look forward to journeying with you towards a healthier, more confident smile.