Dental problems come in all shapes and sizes, but few can feel as daunting as the realization that your teeth are damaged beyond repair. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions to restore even severely damaged teeth, and crown lengthening is one such procedure that can make a big difference.
What is Crown Lengthening?
To understand crown lengthening, it's important to understand a bit about crowns themselves. A crown is a prosthetic tooth that caps your existing tooth to restore its original shape, size, and function. However, sometimes there isn't enough healthy tooth structure remaining above the gum line to securely support a crown. In such cases, crown lengthening becomes necessary.
During this outpatient procedure, a periodontist removes a small amount of gum tissue and bone surrounding your tooth, effectively "lengthening" the clinical crown. This creates a strong and stable foundation for your crown, ensuring its long-term function and aesthetics.
When is Crown Lengthening Needed?
Crown lengthening is performed in various situations:
Extensive tooth decay: When decay reaches below the gum line, traditional crown placement becomes difficult. Crown lengthening provides access for proper cleaning and restoration.
Fractured teeth: Teeth can fracture below the gum line, requiring surgical exposure to facilitate repair and subsequent crown placement.
Gum disease: Overgrowth of gum tissue or uneven gum recession can compromise tooth structure and necessitate a crown. Crown lengthening addresses these issues before placement.
Preserves healthy tooth structure: By removing minimal bone, we maximize the remaining tooth structure, providing a strong base for the crown.
Improves oral hygiene: Accessing areas previously hidden beneath the gum line becomes easier, leading to better cleaning and reduced risk of future decay.
Enhances aesthetics: This procedure improves the aesthetic appearance of your smile by exposing more of the natural tooth and creating a gum line that complements the surrounding teeth.
Protects weak or fractured teeth: Crown lengthening allows for proper restoration and protection of weakened or fractured teeth.
What to Expect During and After Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is typically performed with local anesthesia, so you'll be awake and comfortable throughout the process. Expect some minor discomfort and swelling afterwards, but over-the-counter medication usually manages these concerns. You'll receive detailed post-operative instructions from your periodontist to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort.
Conclusion
Crown lengthening is a safe and effective procedure that can revitalize your smile and improve your oral health. If you experience pain or have difficulty cleaning any teeth, especially below the gum line, consult your dentist or periodontist to determine if crown lengthening is right for you. This simple procedure could be the key to restoring your damaged teeth and boosting your confidence once again.
About Us • Louisville, KY • United Smile Centres Welcome to United Smile Centres. By replacing your missing teeth and restoring your smile, we can help you regain lost confidence, look, and feel younger! United Smile Centres, 118 Sears Ave, Louisville, KY 40207-5014 ^ (502) 899-3000 ^ unitedsmilecentres.com ^ 12/26/2024 ^ Key Phrases: dental implants Louisville KY ^
Dental problems come in all shapes and sizes, but few can feel as daunting as the realization that your teeth are damaged beyond repair. Fortunately, modern dentistry offers a variety of solutions to restore even severely damaged teeth, and crown lengthening is one such procedure that can make a big difference.