Do I Need Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening richmond va is a treatment involving gum contouring and sometimes adjustment of the bone level to expose more tooth structure above the gum line. This is usually done in order to properly restore a tooth with a crown or other restoration. In order for a crown to be properly seated on the tooth without risk of falling off, there has to be enough visible tooth. Crown lengthening allows your dentist to have a better access to your tooth by reducing the bone level and gum tissue.
Crown lengthening can also be used to fix a gummy smile, which is a condition that reveals more gum than tooth when you smile. Other reasons that you may need crown lengthening include a tooth that has fractured below the gum line or severe decay that reaches below the gumline. When a tooth breaks or is decayed below the gumline, there may be too little tooth structure left to properly restore the area. A considerable amount of tooth structure is needed to properly adhere dental restorations.
If a dental restoration is applied with improper tooth structure, you run the risk of the area becoming a food trap or the restoration falling off within just a couple of days.
How is crown lengthening performed?
Your dentist will likely refer you to a periodontist for crown lengthening treatment. This procedure usually takes less than an hour to complete and is performed under local anesthesia. Your doctor will use special surgical instruments to re-contour the underlying bone structure as well as the gum tissue around the tooth being treated.
How do I care for my teeth after crown lengthening?
The biggest change to your life after crown lengthening will be changing to a diet of soft foods four a couple of days. Most patients are able to manage any pain or discomfort with over-the-counter pain medications. After four to six weeks, the treated area should be fully healed and ready for your permanent restoration.
Your periodontist will give you post operative instructions for your oral hygiene routine. Immediately following surgery, it will be important that you avoid flossing and brushing the area, instead use a Q-tip and warm water to clean your surgery site. After your periodontist clears you from their care, your dentist will be able to place your dental restoration.
If you have a gummy smile or extensive decay, speak with your dentist to see if crown lengthening might be a good treatment option for you.