Crown lengthening is a simple gum procedure that makes your tooth look longer by removing some gum tissue. A dentist who specializes in the prevention and treatment of gum disease, or a periodontist, may recommend this treatment if you need a dental crown. A periodontist may also recommend it if you have a gummy smile, where too much gum shows in your smile. If your dentist proposes it, you’ll feel more prepared after learning what is crown lengthening.
Why Your Dentist Might Bring This Up
Gums are important. They protect your teeth and hold them in place. But sometimes your gums cover too much of your tooth. This happens naturally to some people. Or it happens when you need a crown, but there is not enough tooth showing above the gum line.
When you visit a dentist about crown lengthening in Dacula, your periodontist explains why this simple procedure might help your smile look better and help your crown fit properly.
What Exactly Is Crown Lengthening?
Think of it like this. Your tooth is like an iceberg. Most of it is under the gum, just like most of an iceberg is underwater. Crown lengthening near you removes some of the gum so more of your tooth shows above the gum line. That is literally it. A periodontist in Dacula removes a small amount of gum tissue.
The name “crown lengthening” can be confusing. Your tooth does not actually get longer. Your tooth stays the same size. You just see more of it because less gum is covering it.
Why You Might Need This Procedure
Before Getting a Dental Crown
When you need a dental crown, your tooth needs to have enough tooth structure showing above the gum line. If your gum covers most of your tooth, the crown dentist does not have enough tooth to work with.
Crown lengthening exposes more of your tooth. Now there is enough tooth showing to place a crown properly. The crown will be stronger and last longer.
For a Gummy Smile
Some people show too much gum when they smile. It makes them self-conscious. They hide their smile. They feel embarrassed.
Crown lengthening removes that extra gum. Now when you smile, you show more tooth and less gum. Your smile looks different, and you feel better about it.
For Bone Health
Sometimes gum grows over your tooth and creates a pocket that traps food and bacteria. This causes gum disease. Crown lengthening removes that problematic gum and helps your teeth stay healthy.
How the Procedure Works
A periodontist near you follows these steps:
Step 1: Numbing
Local anesthetic numbs your gum and teeth. You experience pressure, but no pain.
Step 2: Removing Tissue
Your periodontist will carefully excise the excess gum tissue. They use an instrument to undertake this action carefully and accurately.
Step 3: Shaping
They shape the gum line so it looks natural and even.
Step 4: Cleaning
They clean the area and make sure it looks good.
The whole thing takes about thirty to forty-five minutes, depending on how much gum needs to be removed.
What to Expect After
Right After the Procedure
- Your gum might feel sore or tender
- You might see a little bleeding
- Your gum will look red and swollen
- This is totally normal
First Few Days
- Take pain medicine if you need it
- Ice your cheek to reduce swelling
- Eat soft food
- Do not brush or floss the area
- Swelling usually goes down in a week
Healing Time
- Most healing happens in two to three weeks
- Full healing takes about six to eight weeks
- Your gumline will settle into its new shape
- Your tooth will look longer
- Your smile will look different
Pain and Recovery
This is not a painful procedure. Your gum is numbed before anything happens. After, you might feel soreness like after any minor surgery. Over-the-counter pain medicine handles this easily.
Most people go back to normal activities the next day. You just avoid crunchy, hot, or spicy food for a week.
Does It Hurt to Have More Tooth Showing?
No. Your tooth does not become more sensitive just because less gum covers it. Your tooth stays the same. You just see more of it.
A Simple Solution for Your Smile
Sometimes the smallest procedures make the biggest difference. Crown lengthening is simple. It takes less than an hour. But it can completely change your smile or prepare your tooth perfectly for a crown.
At Quintero Periodontics, we explain exactly why you might need crown lengthening. We show you how your smile will look different. We answer every question you have. We make sure you feel comfortable and confident about the procedure. Call today and find out if crown lengthening is right for you.
Questions People Ask
What is crown lengthening exactly?
Crown lengthening is a simple gum procedure where your periodontist removes a small amount of extra gum tissue to show more of your tooth above the gum line.
Why would I need this before a crown?
Your dentist needs enough of your tooth showing above the gum to place a crown properly, and crown lengthening exposes more tooth so the crown can be made correctly.
Can crown lengthening fix a gummy smile?
Yes, by removing extra gum, your smile shows more tooth and less gum, which makes your smile look completely different.
Is crown lengthening painful?
No, your gum is numbed before the procedure, and any soreness afterward is mild and easily managed with pain medication.
