Crown Lengthening

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Crown Lengthening Procedures in Lighthouse Point, FL

Pompano Beach, Fort Lauderdale Gum Reshaping

Did you know that your teeth are actually much longer than they appear? In fact, the portion of your tooth that is hidden beneath the gum line is called the clinical crown. The visible portion of your tooth above the gum line is known as the anatomical crown. Crown lengthening is a procedure that can be performed for both functional and cosmetic reasons. At the Oral Surgery Center of Lighthouse Point, Dr. Jennifer Schaumberg often performs crown lengthening to help patients who have short teeth before placing a dental crown or to improve the appearance of their smile.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of gum tissue and/or bone in order to expose more of the clinical crown. This procedure is also sometimes referred to as “recontouring” or “uncovering.” In some cases, crown lengthening can be performed to make a “gummy” smile more attractive. Another example of when this procedure would be necessary is if a patient has a tooth that is fractured below the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to expose more of the tooth so that it can be properly repaired. Crown lengthening can also be used to improve the symmetry of a patient’s smile or to make their teeth look longer.

The Benefits of Crown Lengthening

There are many benefits that come along with crown lengthening. One of the most common reasons why patients choose to undergo this procedure is for cosmetic purposes. By removing excess gum tissue, crown lengthening can improve the appearance of a gummy smile and make teeth look longer and more proportional. This can ultimately lead to an increase in self-esteem and confidence. A few other notable benefits include:

Improved oral hygiene. When there is excess gum tissue covering the teeth, it can be difficult to properly clean the teeth and gums. This can eventually lead to gum disease. Crown lengthening can help to improve oral hygiene by removing the excess tissue and making it easier to brush and floss the teeth.

Reduce tooth sensitivity. If a tooth is fractured below the gum line, the exposed root can be very sensitive to hot and cold temperatures. Crown lengthening can help to reduce this sensitivity by exposing more of the tooth so that it can be repaired.

Protects teeth from further damage. In some cases, crown lengthening may be necessary to protect teeth from further damage. For example, if a tooth is fractured below the gum line, crown lengthening can be used to expose more of the tooth so that it can be properly repaired.

The Crown Lengthening Process

Crown lengthening is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that patients can go home the same day. The first step of the procedure is to numb the area with local anesthesia.

Once the area is numb, Dr. Schaumberg will make small incisions in the gum tissue so that she can access the bone. She will then use special instruments to remove the excess tissue and/or bone. In some cases, a laser may be used to contour the gum tissue. Once the desired results have been achieved, the incisions will be closed with sutures.

After the Crown Lengthening Procedure

It is normal to experience some swelling and bruising after the procedure, but this can be easily controlled with ice packs and over-the-counter pain medication. There may also be some discomfort and soreness, but this can also be controlled with pain medication. It is important to avoid vigorous activity for at least 24 hours after the procedure to allow the incisions to heal properly. Patients will also need to stick to a soft food diet for a few days to avoid irritating the incisions.

Dr. Schaumberg will follow up with patients a few days after the procedure to remove the sutures and check on healing. She will also provide instructions on how to care for the incisions and gums as they heal. Most patients are fully healed within two weeks.

Recontour and Restore Your Smile With Crown Lengthening Surgery

For over 20 years, Dr. Schaumberg has been helping patients improve their smiles with crown lengthening surgery. If you are unhappy with the appearance of your smile, crown lengthening may be the right solution for you. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.