Crown Lengthening

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that involves the reshaping and recontouring gum tissue and underlying bone to expose more of the tooth’s surface. It is a versatile treatment that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes, offering a range of patient benefits. The primary objective of crown lengthening is to create a healthier foundation for restorative or cosmetic dental procedures. By removing excess gum tissue, the dentist can expose more of the tooth’s structure.

When is Dental Crown Lengthening Necessary?

Restorative Purposes

Crown lengthening is often performed to create more tooth structure exposure for restorative treatments. If a tooth is decayed, broken, or fractured near or below the gum line, crown lengthening allows the dentist to access and restore the tooth effectively.

Cosmetic Enhancement

In some cases, crown lengthening is performed for aesthetic purposes. When excessive gum tissue covers a significant portion of the teeth, it can create a “gummy” smile or make the teeth appear short. Crown lengthening helps create a more balanced and proportionate smile by revealing more of the tooth structure.

Periodontal Health

When there is an excessive amount of gum tissue, it can contribute to gum disease and make it challenging to maintain proper oral hygiene. Crown lengthening can improve access to the tooth surface and make it easier to clean and maintain healthy gums.

The Dental Crown Lengthening Procedure

• Consultation: During your initial consultation, our dental team will evaluate your oral health and discuss the need for crown lengthening. We will review your dental history, address any concerns you may have, and determine if LANAP PerioLase laser treatment is suitable for your specific case.
• Anesthesia: Before the procedure, a local anesthetic will be administered to numb the treated area. This ensures your comfort throughout the process.
• Laser Application: Once the area is numb, our skilled dentist will use the LANAP PerioLase laser to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gumline precisely. The laser energy gently vaporizes the tissue while simultaneously sealing blood vessels, resulting in minimal bleeding and faster healing.
• Gum Contouring: The LANAP PerioLase laser allows for precise control, enabling our dentist to sculpt and reshape the gumline to achieve the desired aesthetic outcome. For functional or cosmetic reasons, laser technology ensures accuracy and optimal results.
• Post-Procedure Care: After the LANAP PerioLase laser treatment, Dr. Kiehl will provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. It is essential to follow these guidelines, including maintaining good oral hygiene and attending any scheduled follow-up appointments.

Post Crown Lengthening Recovery and Maintenance

• Healing Process: Immediately after the procedure, it is normal to experience some discomfort, swelling, and mild bleeding. You may also notice sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. These symptoms typically subside within a few days.
• Medication and Pain Management: The dentist may prescribe pain medication or recommend over-the-counter pain relievers to manage post-operative discomfort. Follow the instructions provided and take medication as directed.
• Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is crucial during the recovery period. Gently brush your teeth, taking care to avoid the surgical site. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste recommended by your dentist.
• Rinse with Saltwater: Starting the day after the procedure, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater several times a day. This helps keep the surgical site clean and promotes healing. 
• Follow-up Appointments: Regular follow-up appointments are crucial for monitoring your healing progress and ensuring optimal results. Our dental team will schedule these appointments to remove sutures if necessary, assess your oral health, and provide further guidance on maintaining your oral hygiene.

Other Restorative Dentistry Services at Southcoast Dental

At Southcoast Dental, we offer a comprehensive range of restorative dentistry services to address various dental concerns and help you achieve optimal oral health.

• Dental Implant Placement: Dental implants are a long-lasting and natural-looking solution for replacing missing teeth.
• Tooth-Colored Fillings: Tooth-colored fillings, or composite fillings, restore teeth damaged by decay or minor fractures. These fillings blend seamlessly with natural tooth color, providing functionality and aesthetics.
• Crowns & Bridges: Dental crowns and bridges are custom-made restorations to repair severely damaged or missing teeth. Crowns cover the entire tooth, providing strength and protection, while bridges replace one or more missing teeth by bridging the gap between adjacent teeth.
• Dental Implant Restorations: Once dental implants have fully integrated with the jawbone, we provide high-quality implant restorations, such as crowns, bridges, or dentures, to complete your smile and restore full functionality.
• Frenectomy: A frenectomy is a procedure that involves the removal or modification of the frenulum, the small fold of tissue that connects the lips or tongue to the gums. This procedure can help resolve issues related to tongue-tie or lip-tie, improving speech, oral function, and overall oral health.

Dental Crown Lengthening in Wareham, MA

Crown lengthening is a procedure that can enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of your smile. Schedule an initial consultation today whether you require crown lengthening to prepare for restorative dental work or to address gum tissue concerns. Dr. Kiehl and his experienced team will carefully evaluate your needs and develop a customized treatment plan that will allow you to start enjoying your smile.