Crown lengthening is a surgical intervention that is used to make a tooth more suitable for a crown or to change the look of a smile. It requires the modification of the soft tissue which is, at times, accompanied by modification of the hard tissue to reveal a larger portion of the crown of the affected tooth. In some cases, it becomes necessary to perform this procedure for the stability of the dental crown, or for aesthetic reasons. In this article, you will learn all about crown lengthening, what it is, how it works, how much it costs, how long the recovery period is, the benefits of this procedure, its risks, as well as your options if you decide to go for crown lengthening.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening as the name may suggest involves surgical removal of some of this tissue plus sometimes the bone to reveal more of the tooth. It is done when there is not enough material to build a crown or when a tooth looks too short to start with. Crown lengthening may be required for functional as well as aesthetic reasons.
Crown lengthening is needed in several situations, including:
- Insufficient Tooth Structure: Sometimes when the tooth is damaged close to the gum line or if the decay extends to the bottom of it, there is not enough dentition to place a crown on the tooth. The amount of crown needed reduces and the crown and separation have to fit in tight areas as more of the tooth is exposed.
- Restoring a Broken Tooth: Sometimes, crown lengthening may be involved when a tooth is fractured below the gum line to enable it to be restored.
- Aesthetic Concerns: Cosmetic crown lengthening is mostly done to reverse a smile that exposes too much gum; hence the teeth appear to be short.
- Placing a Dental Crown: Crown lengthening for the fitting of dental crowns makes sure the crown does not come close to the gum line which causes problems or the crown to fail.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
The crown lengthening procedure involves the following steps:
Step 1: Preparation
Prior to the procedure, the patient must meet the dentist or periodontist who will examine the teeth and form a treatment plan, which may involve X-rays. The patient will be given a local anesthetic to use on the affected area so that the individual does not feel any pain.
Step 2: Gum and Bone Reshaping
The dentist will then cut the gum lightly so that the gums would move away from the teeth. When the surgery involves the removal of only soft tissues, the time it’s done the operation only takes a short time. If there is such a need for the removal of bone, then the dentist will lovingly sculpt the underlying bone to uncover more of the implant.
Step 3: Cleaning and Suturing
Finally, when the requisite amount of tooth structure is underlined, the gums are relocated, and the area is sewn. The site is then disinfected to minimize the chances of the development of complications.
Step 4: Recovery
In order to foster proper healing the patient is then given aftercare instructions. The process usually lasts about 1-2 hours maximum depending on the details of the project.
Crown lengthening for a dental crown
Crown lengthening is mainly used when preparation for a dental crown is to be made to ensure it will work. In a situation where a crown will be put, there should be visible tissues for it to be firmly fixed. This procedure makes it possible to place the crown in the right position and at the same time health of the gum and aesthetics.
Crowns & Lengthening – Broken Tooth
When the crown of a tooth is fractured just at the gum line or slightly below it, it may be necessary to perform a crown lengthening. In its absence, there is a possibility of being unable to apply a crown on the tooth, and in some cases, the tooth will have to be removed. Crown lengthening for a broken tooth enhances the treatment by providing enough space for a crown hence saving the tooth.
How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take
The size and shape of dental crowns depend on the health of your gums, the length of your teeth, etc.
The amount of time required to heal after the crown lengthening procedure depends on how much of the work was done.
- Initial Healing: The gums take approximately 7 to 10 days to heal up.
- Complete Healing: It takes between 6 to 8 weeks for the bone to knit and the space occupied by the injured tissue to fill up.
- Placing a Crown: Should crown lengthening be done to place a dental crown, the dentist usually will wait for the gums to heal completely which can take between six to twelve weeks.
Here is more information about crown lengthening healing time ortho by Dr. Smith.
How Much Pain Is Caused by Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is completed under local anesthesia, therefore the act of gaining access is not particularly painful in any way. But slight pain, slight inflammation, or slight soreness may be experienced during the recovery phase. These symptoms may be treated using pain medication and proper aftercare. The majority of the patients experience only mild to moderate pain that is fleeting and does not last more than two to three days.
Crown Lengthening Cost
Unfortunately, the price of crown lengthening also varies based on the difficulty of the operation, the place where the dentist practices, and whether there would be a need to remove some bones.
- Average Cost: Surgeons charge between $500 and $3,000 for each tooth when performing crown lengthening.
- Insurance Coverage: Dental insurance may in part pay for the service in case the procedure is medically warranted, like placement of a crown. Certain types of therapies may not be paid for by health insurance.
Crown Lengthening Near Me
This is why, if you are planning to undergo crown lengthening, make sure to find local practitioners specializing in dentistry or periodontology. Online recommendations put you on the right track toward searching for a reputable professional. There will generally be a chance to talk to a specialist, about the operation, the price, and what can be expected.
Crown Lengthening Benefits
Crown lengthening offers several benefits, including:
- Improved Tooth Structure: It takes an adequate amount of tooth structure to enable crowning and filling.
- Enhanced Aesthetics: Treats a gummy smile issue and smiles asymmetry.
- Tooth Preservation: Conserves teeth that could otherwise be pulled out.
- Better Oral Health: Reduces the chances of inflammation and destruction of periodontal tissues around restoration.
Crown Lengthening Risks
While crown lengthening is generally safe, there are some risks to consider:
- Infection: Intensive aftercare reduces the chances of getting an infection.
- Tooth Sensitivity: The tooth that will be exposed may also be more sensitive to hot and cold substances.
- Gum Recession: When the gum tissues are surgically removed, the gums appear to shrink slightly.
- Prolonged Healing: Recovery periods differ, and the recovery period can be longer than in the case of a fracture.
Crown Lengthening Options
While crown lengthening is often the best solution, alternatives may include:
- Orthodontic Extrusion: Rotating the tooth a little in an upward direction using the braces so that more of this structure is visible.
- Tooth Extraction and Implant: In such serious cases extraction and after that dental implant may be advised.
- Dental Bonding: In simple teeth fractures, the dentist may decide to bond the tooth without the removal of any gum tissue.
Periodontal Surgery for Crown Retained King Birds
Crown lengthening is a kind of gum surgery because the gum tissue actually changes during this procedure. Crown placement gum surgery is performed in order to guarantee that the crown in question does not cause irritation of the gum area or inflammation. It also prolongs the life of the crown and contributes to the oral health of an individual.
Cosmetic Crown Lengthening
Cosmetic crown lengthening is aimed at enhancing the aesthetic look of the teeth. I like the idea of gums being reduced in some areas and thus the teeth look longer and not as out of place. This may prove particularly useful to those people who have what is referred to as short teeth or those who have a lot of gingival show.
Crown Lengthening Aftercare
It is imperative to take good care of the teeth after crown lengthening to allow for healing. Follow these tips for a smooth recovery:
- This should be done through medical advice and prescription of pain relievers to help the patient get rid of the pains they feel.
- Use a soft bristles brush and do not brush the operated area.
- Gently rinse your mouth with a saltwater solution or a mouthwash solution recommended by your doctor.
- Refrain from consuming foods that are hard or crunchy or hot or spicy until the healing is complete.
- Go back for check-ups to view the recovery process.
Conclusion
Crown lengthening is thus a useful surgical technique that has, both aesthetic and prosthetic applications. In an emergency to get ready for a dental crown, for a cracked tooth treatment, or to get a celebrity-like dazzling smile, crown lengthening can be a long-term solution. Knowing these aspects you will be able to decide whether crown lengthening is the procedure that you need. If you are planning for this treatment then it is better to consult with a professional dentist or a periodontist to get the best of the treatment.
You might also like: What Color Is Saliva on Litmus Paper