Crown Lengthening in San Antonio, TX
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that involves the removal of gum tissue to expose more of the tooth surface. It’s often used to improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile, but it can also be done for functional reasons, such as to prepare a tooth for a dental crown or filling. At Hearthstone Dental Specialists in San Antonio, TX, our periodontists have the expertise to perform crown lengthening procedures with precision and care. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about crown lengthening and how it can benefit your dental health.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure in which gum tissue is removed to expose more of the tooth’s surface. It’s usually done to prepare a tooth for a dental crown or filling, but it can also be done for cosmetic reasons. The procedure involves making small incisions in the gum tissue to create flaps that can be lifted up to expose more of the tooth. The excess gum tissue is then removed, and the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place.
Why is Crown Lengthening Needed?
Crown lengthening is typically needed when a tooth has been damaged or decayed below the gum line, making it difficult to place a filling or dental crown. It can also be done to correct a “gummy” smile, where too much gum tissue is visible when you smile. By removing excess gum tissue, more of the tooth’s surface is exposed, making it easier to place a dental crown or filling and improving the appearance of your smile.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening offers several benefits for your dental health, including:
Improved oral hygiene: When there’s too much gum tissue covering the teeth, it can be difficult to clean them properly. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth’s surface, making it easier to brush and floss effectively.
Reduced risk of gum disease: Removing excess gum tissue reduces the risk of gum disease, as it eliminates the pockets where bacteria can collect and cause infection.
Better fitting dental restorations: When a tooth has been damaged or decayed below the gum line, crown lengthening allows for more of the tooth’s surface to be exposed, making it easier to place a dental crown or filling that fits properly.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
At Hearthstone Dental Specialists in San Antonio, TX, our periodontists will begin the crown lengthening procedure by administering a local anesthetic to numb the area. They will then make small incisions in the gum tissue to create flaps that can be lifted up to expose more of the tooth’s surface. The excess gum tissue is then removed, and the gums are repositioned and sutured back into place. The procedure typically takes between one and two hours, and most patients can return to normal activities within a few days.
Recovery and Aftercare
After the crown lengthening procedure, it’s normal to experience some discomfort and swelling. Our periodontists will provide you with instructions on how to care for your gums as they heal. This may include using an antiseptic mouthwash, avoiding hard or crunchy foods, and taking over-the-counter pain medication as needed. It’s important to follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and avoid complications.