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Dental Crown Lengthening

There are two reasons why individuals need a dental crown lengthening procedure: to properly restore a tooth or to make a "gummy smile" more attractive and cosmetic dentistry can help with both.

To properly restore a tooth, several millimeters of healthy tooth structure must be available above the crest of supporting bone. However, this often is not the case when teeth are fractured, severely decayed, or worn. If enough tooth structure is not available, and the restorations are placed too close to the bone, the body reacts by creating a chronic inflammatory reaction that can create red, swollen, and sensitive gums. The gums can bleed easily and even become painful. Eventually, the inflammatory reaction may lead to bone loss around the tooth. To prevent these problems and to properly restore the tooth, the patient should have a dental crown lengthening procedure before restorative treatment.

The gummy smile may be the result of gum tissue growing over teeth that are of proper size. Often times teeth that appear small are, in fact, normal-sized teeth that are hiding under excess gum tissue. Dental crown lengthening removes the excess gum tissue and establishes a more appealing gum line.

What to Expect from Dental Crown Lengthening

Dental crown lengthening is a surgical procedure in which gum and bone tissue is removed from the circumference of the tooth. It is done in the dentist's office with local anesthesia (lidocaine). One or several teeth can be treated at the same time. After carefully reshaping the gum and the bone to expose healthy tooth structure, stitches (sutures) are placed to aid in healing. The stitches are usually removed five to ten days after the surgery. Follow-up appointments are scheduled as necessary to evaluate healing and plaque control. The gums should be allowed to heal for six to eight weeks before making any new restorations. At that time, the gums are more stable and better esthetic results can be achieved.

Post-surgical discomfort can last a few days and is usually minimal. It can be easily managed with commonly available over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or ibuprofen. Patients can expect to follow their normal routine the day after surgery.

Benefits of Dental Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is recommended to properly restore a broken down tooth or to improve the esthetics of a gummy smile. If a general or cosmetic dentist does not frequently do surgeries, he or she may refer the individual to a periodontist who specializes in dental crown lengthening.

By Laura Minsk, DMD

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.

Cosmetic Dentistry: A Smile Makeover

With recent advances in cosmetic dental technology, what was once considered impossible can now be performed routinely. We now have the means and the know-how to treat such conditions as discolored, crooked, and missing teeth - often in one or two visits to a cosmetic dentist, and often without discomfort.

Porcelain veneers have now become a standard part of cosmetic dentistry. These veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front teeth. Using porcelain veneers, we can change the shape, color and length of your teeth in only two visits - instant orthodontics!

Dental bonding is a widely used phrase that describes how tooth-colored fillings are placed. Using dental bonding, we can eliminate discolored areas, fill in gaps, and also build back areas of gum recession.

Composite fillings (tooth-colored fillings) can now be placed in the back molar areas when tooth decay is detected. These fillings can be used instead of amalgam (silver) fillings and are virtually invisible. Dentists have fun placing composite fillings and patients like them, too.

Teeth whitening is a great treatment for generalized yellow or stained teeth. With custom-fabricated tooth bleaching trays, the bleaching procedure can be done at home at your own convenience. The process generally takes about four to six weeks and the results are very impressive.

With the treatment options available today, it's possible to have the smile you've always wanted. Let your dentist know if you're interested in learning more about these advances in cosmetic dentistry.

+Jim Du Molin is a leading Internet search expert helping individuals and families connect with the right dentist in their area. Visit his author page.