Crown Lengthening in Fort Worth, TX
A beautiful smile can have a positive impact on your self-confidence and overall quality of life. That’s why we offer cosmetic procedures designed to enhance the aesthetic appearance and function of your smile, including crown lengthening.
Don't Settle for a "Gummy Smile"
A “gummy smile” is a term used to describe a smile where the gums appear to be excessively visible when a person smiles. In a normal smile, the upper teeth and gums are visible, with the ratio of teeth to gums being about 75% to 25%. In a gummy smile, the ratio may be closer to 50% to 50% or even 25% to 75%, with more gum tissue showing than teeth. This can make the teeth look small and stubby, even if they are fully developed and healthy.
Crown lengthening is a common cosmetic treatment for gummy smiles, as it can remove excess gum tissue and expose more of the tooth’s surface, resulting in a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
What is Crown Lengthening?
This dental surgery involves removing excess amounts of gum tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This can be done for cosmetic or functional reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a dental crown or addressing a “gummy” smile.
Before & After
What Problems Can Crown Lengthening Solve?
Crown lengthening is a simple procedure that can address a range of dental issues, including:
- Excessive Gum Tissue: When there is an excess of gum tissue, it can make teeth appear short or stubby, even if they are healthy and fully developed. In this case, crown lengthening is done for cosmetic purposes to enhance the appearance of one’s smile.
- Uneven Gum Line: Sometimes the gum line is uneven, with some teeth appearing shorter or longer than others. Crown lengthening can be used to even out the gum line and create a more balanced smile.
- Preparation for Dental Restorations: In some cases, functional crown lengthening may be needed to prepare for dental implants or other dental treatments. A tooth may need a crown or filling, but there is not enough visible tooth structure to support the restoration. Crown lengthening can remove excess tissue and expose more of the tooth’s surface, providing a stable foundation for the restoration.
- Periodontal Treatment: In cases where severe gum disease or periodontal disease has caused the gums to recede, crown lengthening can be used to remove damaged tissue and encourage the growth of healthy gum tissue.
What Does the Crown Lengthening Procedure Entail?
Before the surgical procedure, we will numb the area with a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. We may also use sedation dentistry techniques to help you feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the procedure.
Next, we will carefully remove the excess gum tissue using a special instrument called a dental laser. We will also remove any bone tissue if necessary. Once we have achieved the desired amount of tissue removal, we will thoroughly clean the area and place sutures to promote healing.
The entire procedure can usually be done in one visit, depending on the amount of tissue removal required.
What Does the Recovery Process Look Like?
After the procedure, it’s important to avoid strenuous physical activity for the first few days after the procedure. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for the first few days after the procedure.
When you clean your teeth, be sure to gently brush and floss around the surgical site, being careful not to disturb the sutures.
Most patients are able to return to normal activities within a week or two after the procedure, but the full recovery process can take up to several weeks.
Schedule Your Crown Lengthening Procedure at Custom Periodontics & Implantology in Fort Worth, TX
Schedule your Appointment
If you suffer from gum disease, or if you simply want to do more to maintain your oral health, contact Custom Periodontics and Implantology at Fort Worth, TX, today to schedule an appointment!
