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It is no secret that dentists are committed to saving teeth. This is why we fill a cavity, instead of pulling the tooth.

Cavities can decay to tooth to the point where restoration is virtually impossible without a procedure called crown lengthening. Crown lengthening is a routine surgical procedure, which remodels the contour of the gum line. The procedure does not actually lengthen the crown, but rather lowers the gum line. When there is not enough tooth structure to affix a crown, this is the only option. Sometimes a tooth has been broken below the gum line. In this instance, crown lengthening is very successful in exposing more of the tooth, so that the dentist has something to work with.

The Significance of Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a versatile and common procedure that has many effective uses and benefits. The vast majority of patients who have undergone this type of surgery are highly delighted with the results.

Here are some of the most common reasons for crown lengthening:

  • Restoring teeth that have been damaged: Periodontal disease, trauma, and decay can cause extensive harm to the teeth. When the teeth are fractured below the gum line, crown lengthening is a procedure that can be conducted to create a suitable foundation for a new restoration, effectively rectifying the tooth damage.
  • Uses for cosmetics: Having too much gum tissue can make teeth look unnaturally short and increase the risk of periodontal infections. Removing the excess gum tissue can restore a balanced and healthy appearance, improving the overall aesthetic of the smile.
  • Dental crowns: Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that aims to provide more space between the dental crown and the jawbone beneath it. Its purpose is to safeguard the gum tissues and bone from any potential harm that may arise from the placement of a new crown.

What are the steps involved in the crown lengthening procedure?

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that is typically done with the use of local anesthesia. The length of the procedure depends on the number of teeth involved and whether any bone removal is necessary. Before the procedure, any existing dental crowns will be removed and then replaced immediately after.

To begin the procedure, your dentist will make small incisions around the soft tissue to separate the gums from the teeth. Even if only one tooth needs reshaping, neighboring teeth are usually treated for a more balanced appearance. This separation allows your dentist to access the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone.

In some cases, removing a small amount of tissue is sufficient to expose the tooth for crown placement. However, in other cases, your dentist may need to remove a small amount of bone around the teeth. Special hand instruments and rotary instruments, similar to a drill used in cavity treatment, are used for this bone removal.

After the surgery, the gums will be repositioned, giving the teeth a longer appearance. An intraoral bandage will be used to secure the surgical site and prevent infection. Your dentist may also prescribe pain medication and provide a chlorhexidine mouth rinse to reduce bacterial growth. It typically takes about two to three months for the surgical site to fully heal.

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