A Prettier Smile with Crown Lengthening
At Periodontal Associates of Jackson, crown lengthening is a common procedure we perform. It’s an oral surgery treatment that involves removing excess gum tissue, and possibly some bone, around the upper teeth to make them look longer.
Crown lengthening can also sculpt the gum line to produce a more symmetrical smile when the gum line is uneven. This procedure may be done for dental care and medical reasons as well as for cosmetic effect. In other instances it is done due to decay or fracture under the gum line. Crown lengthening can help expose more of the tooth’s crown in order to support a filling or porcelain crown.
Crown lengthening involves oral surgery performed under local anesthesia. We then make small cuts to pull the gums away from the teeth and remove excess gum tissue., Only removal of the gum tissue is all that is needed to expose more of the crown in some cases. While in others, there is too much soft tissue and bone covering the crown. Sometimes a tiny bit of bone may need to be taken out as well. The gums are then washed with sterile salt water and stitched up after the surgery is completed.
Advantages of crown lengthening: Unlike many cosmetic dentistry treatments, crown lengthening only needs to be done once, with no requirement for touch-ups down the road. In addition to creating a wider, more symmetrical smile, crown lengthening can provide some dental care benefits as well. It can reduce the risk of tooth decay because more of the tooth is exposed for brushing and flossing. The surgery can usually be completed in 30 minutes to an hour.
To find out if crown lengthening is right for you, call us today at (601) 956-1230 and schedule your no obligation consultation.
