Dental crown lengthening is a dental procedure used to recontour gum tissue or bone in order to expose more of the tooth for a crown. It is a procedure that is very common and lasts for less than one hour in most cases. The procedure is safe, especially if carried out by an experienced professional, and you will be properly managed so that you won’t feel much pain.
The purpose of a crown lengthening procedure
Dental crown lengthening may be inevitable if there is inadequate tooth structure to hold the crown. Broken teeth or those affected by tooth decay can prevent a crown from attaching firmly. The procedure will then ensure that gun tissue is reduced while bone may be shaven down, if necessary, so that more of the teeth can be above the gum line.
If your crown is adequately fitted, oral hygiene as well as comfort will be enhanced. Dental crown lengthening is also carried out to fix gummy smile which is characterized by apparent gums above the teeth when you are smiling. Your smile will be improved after a successful procedure and this will have a positive influence on your self confidence.
How to prepare for a crown lengthening
Before your dental crown lengthening, your dental surgeon may give your a temporary crown. The temporary crown will serve as a means of protection for the meantime so that the fixing of your new crown will be easier.
Preceding your gum removal surgery, your periodontist will examine your medical history as well as X-rays. It is very essential for you to seize the opportunity of this appointment to discuss extensively with your doctor. You should reveal the medications you are currently taking so that you will be properly advised to continue or not.
What happens during a crown lengthening procedure
A dental crown lengthening procedure is usually an outpatient one. You will have the opportunity of going home immediately after the process. The duration of the surgery is largely dependent on the number of teeth to be treated. If there are temporary crowns on the neighboring teeth, they will be removed before the surgery and replaced thereafter.
Your dental surgeon may give you a local anesthesia and if necessary, you may be given a sedative. The gums will be cut so that they can be pulled away from your teeth. In certain instances, the gum tissue only requires a removal. The surgical area is then washed with salt water before being sutured.
The gums will be sutured back together and a bandage may be placed over the treatment area for extra protection. After the local anesthesia has worn off, you may feel some crown lengthening pain but this will be managed by pain relievers. You will also be given a special mouth rinse which will help your gum to heal faster.
Possible risks
Just like every other surgical procedure, there are some risks associated with crown lengthening. Risk of infection is one of them and it is very important for you to abide by all post-operative care directives as given to you by your doctor.
This will go a long way in preventing infections and you should not hesitate to visit the dental clinic during your recovery period if there are issues. In addition, bleeding may be experienced at the surgical site and tooth sensitivity may be experienced. As time rolls by, the sensitivity will abate and you will feel better.
The recovery process
The recovery period usually lasts for about 3 months. When your gums heal up, you will be a able to go on with your usual activities. Within the first three days of your surgery, you should stay away from exhausting activities. This is due to the fact that strenuous activities can frustrate your healing and lead to more bleeding.
You should discuss the detail of action of your recovery with your doctor at Edge Dental Houston. This will go a long way in ensuring that the procedure is successful. You may be given antibiotics and painkillers after the surgery to help with issues that may arise.
You should stay away from hot foods and rinsing after the first 24 hours so that additional bleeding will be prevented. If bleeding persists, you can apply a moistened gauze or tea bag to the treatment area for about 25 minutes.
FAQs About Dental Crown Lengthening
When is dental crown lengthening necessary?
If you are experiencing a tooth fracture or decay that reaches the level of your bone, a crown lengthening may be inevitable. Your dentist will take away some bone so that your healthy tooth structure can be exposed.
Is laser dental treatment safe?
The improvement in technology has made laser dental treatment to be safer and more painless. It is used in dentistry for treating and clearing out microbes as well as cavities from the root of the tooth.
What is the benefit of a laser dentistry treatment?
Laser dentistry provides lessened recovery time, better accuracy, reduced swelling and bleeding. It also reduces the risk of infection and does not require the use of anesthesia.
How much does it cost to remove a normal teeth?
This is largely dependent on your location, the type of extraction that will be used for you, experience of the dentist that will carry out the procedure and so on. You can visit Edge Dental Houston to get an ideal cost of a tooth removal.
What is the most dark painful method of torture known to man?
Some of them include forced feeding, insertion of tube through the nose, being thrown into a water dungeon and so on.
What is a better option between crown lengthening and implant?
The two procedures have different purposes. Crown lengthening involves the extraction of gum tissue while a dental implant is used for the replacement of a missing tooth. The better option for you is determined by your condition.
How much should crown lengthening on 8 teeth cost?
Crown lengthening cost is determined by the location of the teeth to be lengthened, the method that will be used by your emergency dentist, among others.
Is there any treatment for a gummy smile with small teeth?
There are many treatment options for fixing a gummy smile. Some of the options available at Edge Dental Houston include gum surgery, dental restoration, orthodontic intrusion, just to mention a few.
When is a dental crown considered to be necessary?
Dental crowns are necessary when there are missing teeth that require a bridge and when a large cavity cannot be filled.
On A Final Note
If you really want to get the best dental crown lengthening, you should not hesitate to get in touch with Edge Dental Houston. Your procedure will be carried out by experienced dentists.