Crown Lengthening: Improving Both Function and Appearance
Have you ever felt that your teeth look too short or that your smile is too "gummy"? Or maybe you're preparing for a restorative procedure like a crown or bridge and need more tooth structure exposed. Crown lengthening might be the perfect solution.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and, if necessary, bone around the teeth to expose more of the tooth’s structure. This procedure can be cosmetic, used to improve the balance between teeth and gums, or functional, to prepare the tooth for a crown or other restoration.
For cosmetic cases, crown lengthening can significantly enhance the overall appearance of your smile. If you’ve been told you have a “gummy smile,” this procedure can create a more proportional look by revealing more of your natural teeth. On the functional side, crown lengthening is often used when there isn’t enough visible tooth structure to hold a crown or filling securely. By exposing more of the tooth, it creates a solid foundation for restorative dental work.
What does the procedure involve?
- Local anesthesia is used to ensure your comfort.
- The periodontist carefully reshapes the gum and bone tissue around the teeth.
- The exposed tooth is now ready for restorative work or simply left to heal with its new, improved appearance.
Healing takes about 1 to 2 weeks, with most patients returning to normal activities shortly after the procedure.
At Smiley Implants, we specialize in crown lengthening procedures to improve both the appearance and function of your smile. Call us today to schedule a consultation!