Here is a beginner’s guide to crown lengthening treatment and a list of its benefits

Most people allow their dental issues to be a cause of anxiety and lack of confidence for the entirety of their lives. Even if these issues are treatable with a visit to the dentist, they have already given up hope before trying. One such case is when a patient needs their teeth restored or fixed for aesthetic reasons. Instead, they suffer from dental anxiety and shy away from getting help. Today we will discuss crown lengthening and how it benefits patients.

What is Crown Lengthening?

• Crown lengthening is the dental procedure for increasing the surface of the tooth by removing a portion of the gums from the root. It helps give dentists more surface area to work with and properly restore a damaged tooth. Crown lengthening can also be used to improve the look of teeth and create better smiles.

Who is a Good Candidate for Crown Lengthening?

A good candidate for crown lengthening would be someone who possesses the following characteristics:

• Someone who needs tooth restoration but there is too much gum covering the teeth for any onlay or dental crown to fit.
• Veneers need to be attached to the teeth but there isn’t enough room for them to be cemented onto the existing tooth.
• The gums of the individual are growing and covering most of their teeth, making their smile appear to be gummy.

Types Of Crown Lengthening Procedures

There are three major procedures for a crown lengthening process. To prepare for these procedures, the patient is given general anesthesia.

Gingivectomy

• Gingivectomy is the use of a laser, scalpel, or electrocautery to remove the gum tissue. It is a fast and effective way to reduce gum tissue on the teeth. The best results are from the use of a laser as gums heal faster and bleed less afterward. The pain from this procedure lasts for a week at max and healing takes about 4-6 weeks.

Apically Repositioned Flap Surgery

• Apically repositioned flap surgery is performed by making an incision in the gums to create a flap. The extra gum and bone are removed from the area according to the need of the procedure and then it is repositioned. The repositioned flap is inclined towards the root and held in place via stitches. During the healing period, the patient may need to wear a dental dressing over the affected area.

Surgical Extrusion

• When the tooth has to be moved along the gumline to a new position, surgical extrusion is used. This is specially employed when the tooth is fractured below the gumline. A wire brace or a splinter may be used to bind the tooth to connect teeth. It has a significantly longer period of healing and the surgery is very complex.

Interesting Facts About Crown Lengthening

• Crown lengthening is not as painful as it appears to be. The pain lasts from a few days to a week after surgery.
• The gums can recede further after the surgery but that reduction is usually kept in mind when making measurements for the procedure.
• Some of the removed gum tissue during a crown lengthening process can be used for gum grafting if nearby teeth require it.
• The procedure for crown lengthening is also used cosmetically to fix several issues related to the aesthetic beauty of teeth.

At Icon Dental Center, we provide you with the best crown lengthening services in Everett and Seattle. You can find a detailed list of the services we offer on our website. For a consultation or a booking, call us at 206-225-2882 for Seattle and 425-337-2400 for Everett.