Crown Lengthening

Definition: a surgical dental procedure that exposes more of the tooth beneath the gumline in order to perform restorative or cosmetic procedures.

There are several reasons why one might need crown lengthening:

  • To restore a damaged tooth - especially if the damage is beneath the gumline;
  • For cosmetic use - the doctor removes the extra gum tissue to provide a healthy and beautiful smile;
  • For dental crowns - the procedure serves to provide the needed space for the dental crown.

How does it work?

The procedure starts by injecting an anesthetic to numb the work area. If there is any dental crown near the damaged tooth it will be removed and replaced after the procedure. Several small incisions on the gum tissue will separate it from the tooth. After raising the flap the doctor has access to the roots of the tooth and the bone tissue around it. This is followed by removing the necessary amount of bone tissue for the problem involved. The doctor now has access to perform either a restorative procedure for a damaged tooth (by decay, fracture, or other problems) or provide enough tooth exposure for placing a dental crown. After the procedure ends, the flap will be sutured back. As in cases of a “gummy smile,” the doctor will only remove the necessary amount of gum tissue needed to expose the normal length of the tooth. At the end of the procedure, the area worked on will be secured with a dental bandage to prevent infection.

What are the risks?

  • Bleeding;
  • Infection;
  • The tooth may feel looser;
  • The loss of the tooth in the future;
  • Failure of the procedure;
  • The shape of the gums may change;
  • Allergic reaction to the anesthetic;
  • Recurrency of the problem.

How to prepare for the procedure?

  • Don’t smoke or/and drink alcohol for at least 24 hours before the procedure;
  • Depending on the procedure, you may be required to take an X-ray of the damaged tooth.

How long does the procedure take?

Depending on the procedure performed, it might take an hour or even more.

How to recover after the procedure?

  • You may be prescribed antibiotics before and several days after the procedure;
  • During the first 3-4 days after the procedure, the gum tissue will feel sore and painful, which can be handled with painkillers and by avoiding hot, cold, or spicy meals;
  • To ease the pain and swelling you could put an ice pack on the area of the surgery;
  • You can gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water to help with the swelling;
  • Avoid heavy rinsing of the mouth, drinking from a straw, spitting, and smoking for the first 2-3 days after the procedure;
  • During the first couple of days after the surgery eat only soft and cool food;
  • Provide good hygiene for your teeth, but avoid brushing the gum in the operated area for a couple of days;
  • Don’t forget about the appointments with your doctor for the follow-up.
     

Considering a Crown Lengthening procedure? Find suitable Dental Packages on our platform.

To explore more about similar treatments, our articles on Dental Crowns and Dental Bridges might be of interest to you.

Providers that provide Crown Lengthening Service

Providers Score Reviews Location
Dubai Cosmetic Surgery Clinic
95.64
36 United Arab Emirates
ConfiDental Costa Rica
90.57
2 Costa Rica
Smile Infinity
90.57
2 United Arab Emirates
Precision Dental NYC
87.72
1 United States
Bangkok International Dental Center (BIDC)
60.65
1 Thailand
Dr. Joy Dental Clinic
57.41
1 United Arab Emirates
Albufeira Health Institute
Not Rated
0 Portugal
Lance Timmerman Dmd
Not Rated
0 United States
Prisma Cosmetic Dentistry
Not Rated
0 Costa Rica
Serenity International Dental Clinic
Not Rated
0 Vietnam
Smiline Dental Hospitals
Not Rated
0 India
VIPcare Dental
Not Rated
0 United States
A.p. Superspeciality Dental Hospitals
Not Rated
0 India
Advanced Dental Care Centre
Not Rated
0 India
Advanced Prosthodontics
Not Rated
0 United States
Aggarwal Dental Clinic
Not Rated
0 India
Ashford Dental
Not Rated
0 United States
Bangkok Dental Spa Clinic
Not Rated
0 Thailand
Bedford Dental Group
Not Rated
0 United States
Buschdental
Not Rated
0 United States