What is the Crown Lengthening Procedure
When a patient has an excessive gingival display, also referred to as a “gummy” smile, the visible part of the tooth above the gumline, known as the crown, appears shorter. While the teeth are actually the normal length, excess gum tissue partially covers the teeth making them appear smaller. Patients that are concerned with the appearance or have functional issues may be considering a crown lengthening procedure to address the issue. To better educate patients about their treatment options, this article will evaluate what the crown lengthening newark ohio procedure entails.
What is the Procedure for?
If more than 3 millimeters of gum tissue is exposed, the patient likely has a gummy smile. The crown lengthening procedure aims to remove and recontour portions of the gum to increase the visible portion of the tooth (the crown). A dentist or periodontist (gum health specialist) can perform the procedure on one tooth, multiple teeth, or the whole gumline.
Crown lengthening procedures are performed to:
- Correct cosmetic concerns
- Expose cavities under the gumline to allow treatment of the decay
- Expose tooth fractures
- Increase exposed tooth structure in order to fit a device like a bridge
Preparing for the Procedure
Anyone interested in crown lengthening should consult their dentist for an examination and to determine if the procedure is suitable for their situation. Prior to the procedure, the periodontist will perform an analysis to determine the location of the new gumline. He or she will also evaluate the gums, teeth, and surrounding structures to decide the appropriate surgical technique for the procedure.
Having healthy gums and good overall health is important before undergoing surgery. The American Academy of Periodontology recommends that patients take the following steps to support the health of their teeth and gums:
- Brush the teeth twice daily
- Floss teeth at least daily
- Use mouthwash
- Visit the dentist at least annually for an examination
The Procedure
The crown lengthening procedure involves the dentist or periodontist removing the excess gum tissue. There are three different techniques for crown lengthening:
- Gingivectomy: Performed while the patient is under local anesthetic, a gingivectomy removes gum tissue using a laser, electrocautery, or a scalpel. Some studies have shown that laser and electrocautery gingivectomies have less bleeding, are less painful, and heal quicker than procedures using scalpels. Post-surgery pain from a gingivectomy generally goes away within a week with complete tissue healing occurring within 4-6 weeks.
- Apically Repositioned Flap Surgery: This technique makes an incision in the gums creating a flap of tissue. The periodontist lifts the flap up to remove extra tissue, and bone if needed, to create the desired appearance. The flap is then repositioned toward the palate (roof of mouth) and stitched in place while it heals.
- Surgical Extrusion: If a tooth has fractured beneath the gumline, the periodontist may opt for surgical extrusion to move the tooth to the desired location. Dissolvable or removable stitches may be used to stabilize the tooth. The dentist could also use a splint or wire to anchor the relocated tooth to the surrounding teeth.