What is the Crown Lengthening Procedure?

Crowns are a dental appliance used to protect teeth that are cracked, broken, worn down, or weakened by decay. They are also used after root canals, with bridges, and on dental implants. For a crown to work well, it needs enough tooth above the gumline to hold onto. Sometimes there is not enough tooth showing. When that happens, crown lengthening may be needed. If you’ve been told you need crown lengthening, read on to learn more about what you can expect during the procedure.

Why would someone need crown lengthening?

The most common reason someone needs crown lengthening is in preparation for a dental crown being installed. If a tooth is broken near the gumline or if decay extends under the gums, the dentist may not have enough room to place the crown correctly. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth so the dentist can successfully place the crown and restore it.

Another common reason the procedure is done is for cosmetic reasons. Some people have extra gum tissue that makes their teeth look short. Crown lengthening can reshape the gumline and show more of the teeth.

What happens during the procedure?

Crown lengthening is usually performed in a dental office. It is usually an outpatient procedure, so you go home the same day. The dentist uses local anesthesia to numb the area before starting. Once the area is numb, the dentist makes small cuts in the gum tissue around the tooth. The gum tissue is then moved or reshaped to expose more of the tooth.

Sometimes, only the gums need to be adjusted. In other cases, a small amount of bone around the tooth must also be reshaped. This is more common when the tooth is broken or decayed below the gum line.

After enough tooth is exposed, the area is cleaned, and the dentist sutures the gums into their new position while they heal.

How long does crown lengthening take?

Crown lengthening often takes about 30 to 60 minutes per tooth. A procedure involving several teeth can take longer. The time also depends on whether the bone needs to be adjusted. Gum-only treatment is usually simpler. Bone reshaping adds more time and healing.

What happens after the procedure?

After crown lengthening, some soreness and swelling are normal. Mild bleeding can happen at first, too. Your dentist will give you instructions for caring for the area while it heals, and it is important that you follow them to help the healing process. You will likely be told to eat soft foods for a short time and avoid brushing directly over the surgical area until your dentist says it is safe. Keeping the area clean is important, but it must be done gently.

The final crown is not usually placed right away. The gums need time to heal and settle before the crown can be completed. Your dentist will tell you when the tooth is ready.

What’s the bottom line?

Crown lengthening is a common procedure that exposes more of a tooth by reshaping the gum tissue, and sometimes the bone. If your dentist recommends crown lengthening, ask what part of your tooth needs to be exposed and how long healing is expected to take.

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