What's Included in a Crown Lengthening Procedure?

The crown refers to the part of the tooth above the gumline. When a person gets a crown lengthening, the aim is to expose the part of the tooth below the gumline. You can get a crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons and exposing broken or decayed tooth parts.

For cosmetic reasons, the leading cause is gummy smiles. A person with gummy smiles usually has excess gum tissue, causing them to seem like they have small teeth. Crown lengthening reduces the amount of gum tissue showing to make teeth appear longer.
 

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Experts describe a gummy smile with more than three millimeters of exposed gingival tissue. In such a situation, crown lengthening extracts soft gingival tissue. Sometimes, the dentist may also remove part of bone tissue. The main aim is to increase how much bone tissue is visible.

A crown lengthening can include the whole gumline, a few teeth, or just one tooth. Here are the main reasons a dentist may perform a crown lengthening procedure:

• Exposing more tooth bone makes room for a structure like a bridge or crown.
• Revealing parts of fractured tooth below the gumline.
• Exposing cavities that have developed below the gumline.
• For cosmetic reasons.

What Is Included in the Procedure?

• Preparation

If you are interested in the procedure, you must consult a dentist first. The dentist will examine you and determine whether you are a good candidate. Also, they will help you manage your expectations for what you can expect from the procedure.

• Who Is a Good Candidate?

A good candidate is someone with good gum and teeth health. Because the procedure involves cutting into the gums, you will need to be in good health to heal quickly. According to the American Academy of Periodontology, you must brush and floss every day to maintain good gum and teeth health. You must use mouthwash a few times a week and have regular dental visits for exams and cleanings.

• The Procedure

Only a dentist specializing in gum health can perform a crown lengthening procedure. However, some general dentists can also perform the procedure. It is essential to have a specialist because the procedure may require more work. A procedure may require reshaping the bone to achieve the desired results.
 

What Are the Different Types of Crowning Procedures?
 

Gingivectomy

In removing gum tissue in gingivectomy, a dentist uses electrocautery, a laser, or a scalpel. It is believed that lasers have better results compared to scalpels. When you get a laser procedure, you are more likely to have less pain, experience less bleeding, and heal faster. 
 

Flap Repositioning Surgery

Medically, this procedure is called apically repositioned flap surgery. The dentist creates a flap in the tissue by making an incision in the gums. After lifting the flap, the dentist removes the extra gum tissue and any necessary bone matter. After this, the dentist repositions the flap at the root and uses stitches to hold it in place. 
 

Surgical Extrusion

The third crown lengthening procedure involves surgery to move the teeth to the desired position in the gumline. It is a popular procedure when dealing with a tooth fractured under the gum.
 

For more on the crown lengthening procedure, visit Implant Dentistry Periodontics & Facial Rejuvenation at our office in Tampa or Wesley Chapel, Florida. Call 813.517.0100​​​​​​​ or 813.973.7770 to book an appointment today.