18555 N 79th Ave Suite A-103
Glendale, AZ 85308-8370
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What Is Crown Lengthening Surgery?

Posted on 5/15/2024 by Dr. Michael Allard

dental patient receiving a crown lengthening smile consulation

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure aimed at removing excess gum tissue to expose the teeth. The procedure typically addresses excessive gingival display or simply a gummy smile. This is where a person appears to have unusually short teeth. In reality, the teeth are not really short but are only covered by excess gum tissue. It can be hereditary or caused by hormonal changes and certain medications.

Why Do I Need Crown Lengthening?

The crown lengthening procedure addresses both cosmetic and dental concerns. The surgery is best for people with gummy smiles as it helps to reveal more of their tooth structure. It is also common for patients who require dental implants to have their crowns lengthened to add more support and stability for the implants. Moreover, crown lengthening is necessary when a tooth is fractured or severely worn below the gum line. In such a case, exposing more of the healthy tooth structure helps to provide a stronger foundation for dental restoration.

What to Expect During a Crown Lengthening Procedure

Your OMS surgeon will first apply local anesthesia for numbing, followed by small incisions on the gum tissue. After removing the desired amount of gum and bone tissue, the gum tissue will be disinfected and sutured in its new position.

Alternatively, the surgeon may consider the laser gum contouring technique. Here, they will use a laser to cauterize the excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line. This option is not as invasive and painful as ordinary surgery. Moreover, laser treatment has a much faster recovery time and results in much less bleeding.

Depending on how much gum is removed, recovering from crown lengthening may take anywhere from a week to several months. Following a strict oral hygiene routine and avoiding hard food is one way to shorten the recovery period.

Potential Risks of Crown Lengthening

Like every other type of surgery, crown lengthening carries some risks. These include infection and further gum recession, exposing more of the tooth roots than necessary and leading to increased sensitivity.

A crown lengthening will not only help maintain good health but also improve your self-esteem. Call us today to book your appointment with our oral and maxillofacial surgeons.

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Arrowhead Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, 18555 N 79th Ave, Suite A-103, Glendale, AZ 85308-8370 \ (623) 738-2564 \ arrowheadoralsurgery.com \ 10/10/2024 \ Page Phrases: Dental Implants Glendale AZ \