Cosmetic Dentistry: What Is Crown Lengthening?

Cosmetic Dentistry Burbank, CA

Crown lengthening is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that is used to address teeth that look too small due to being covered with excessive gum tissue. The result is a dental condition known as a gummy smile.

Crown lengthening is also used for therapeutic reasons. The treatment can be used to expose the lower part of a tooth so it can be treated for conditions like tooth decay. It is also used to expose more of a tooth so it can be fitted with a dental crown.

How crown lengthening is used in cosmetic dentistry

Crown lengthening is primarily used in cosmetic dentistry to remove excessive gum tissue so a person's smile looks more natural. It is a standard treatment for a gummy smile or short teeth. During the treatment, the dentist can also sculpt the patient's gum line, making their gums appear more even.

Patients get a shot of a local anesthetic at the start of their crown lengthening treatment. This numbs the area being worked on so they do not feel any pain. Once an anesthetic has been administered, the dentist makes cuts into the patient's gums and pulls gum tissue away from teeth.

For some people, removing gum tissues is enough to expose more of a tooth, but others might also need to have bone structures removed if the tooth is being covered up by them. When the treatment is over, the patient's mouth is sterilized with a saline solution, and any incisions made are sutured up.

Crown lengthening is a safe treatment that dentists perform often. It does require oral surgery, which necessitates the patient to be healthy enough to recover. The advantages of using crown lengthening to improve the appearance of your smile include:

  • The treatment usually only needs to be performed once
  • It can be used to create a more symmetrical smile
  • It improves the patient's oral health
  • The treatment can be completed in as little as 30 minutes

Recovering after crown lengthening

Crown lengthening requires incisions to be made into the patient's gums, and that requires time to heal. The area worked on might be sore or swollen after the treatment. Recovery can be as short as a few days for some, while others might be a bit sore for weeks. How extensive the treatment is and the number of teeth fixed often determines the duration of the recovery period.

Patients might be given a prescription for pain relievers after their treatment. The dentist might also advise them to use ice to reduce any swelling that occurs. The ice pack should be placed on the cheek for 20-minute intervals on and off.

Giving the body all the nutrients it needs to heal also helps speed up the recovery period. Patients should stick to soft and liquid foods for the first week after the surgery to avoid aggravating the area.

Improve the appearance of your smile

Call or visit our Burbank clinic to learn more about how crown lengthening can be used to improve the way your teeth look.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mediacenterdental.com or call Media Center Dental at (818) 473-1133 for an appointment in our Burbank office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Cosmetic Dentistry in Burbank, CA.

Recent Posts

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Improve Your Confidence

There are several reasons why we desire to change our smile, from teeth discoloration to chips and cracks. A cosmetic dentist can provide answers to your issue. Your smile has a significant impact on your performance, both at work and in your social life. Continue reading to discover what cosmetic dentistry can do for your…

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Restore Teeth With A Dental Crown

A dental crown is a cap that fits over a person’s tooth. A crown is commonly used to restore decayed, missing, or cracked tooth structure. Whether a dental crown is ideal for you will depend on the condition of your teeth and the issue you are trying to fix. Read on to find out more…

How A Cosmetic Dentist Can Repair Teeth

Cosmetic dentists are primarily concerned with the appearance of their patients' smiles. However, their services also help repair the oral health and function of teeth. This review goes over the services commonly offered by cosmetic dentists that aim to repair teeth.Four of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry treatments are porcelain veneers, composite bonding,…

Ask A Dentist: When Should I Seek Out A Cosmetic Dentist?

When you are unhappy with your smile, a cosmetic dentist can help. Some people may simply want to improve the appearance of their smile because of some minor issues. Other patients may be looking for a smile makeover because their smile has been altered by decay or a traumatic injury. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry can help…

Recent Posts

What To Expect During A Dental Cleaning

What To Expect During A Dental Cleaning

A regular dental cleaning is vital for maintaining optimal oral health. While many people understand the importance of these appointments, the specifics of what happens during dental cleanings may remain a bit mysterious.In this review, we discuss the procedure of a typical dental cleaning, providing insight into the process and highlighting its significance in preventive…

Transform Your Smile With Dental Veneers

Transform Your Smile With Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular way to transform your smile and a common cosmetic dental service offered by general dentists. These thin, shell-like porcelain or composite resin covers go directly over the front of natural teeth after a quick preparation process. Because of their ability to make teeth appear uniform in shape, size, and color…