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No, you don’t get an actual crown with this dental procedure, and it doesn’t grow larger. Crown lengthening is a procedure your general dentist does to expose more of one tooth or of many teeth. Usually, it’s done for a specific reason, such as needing to fit a crown or place fillings. Whatever dental work you need, there has to be enough tooth left to be able to perform the procedure.
When there isn’t enough tooth to fit a restoration or do filling work, your dentist does a crown lengthening procedure that makes more teeth available to work with. It’s a common dental surgery, used to remove part of your gum — and if necessary, part of your bone — to expose the tooth.
The reason you may need crown lengthening is that there isn’t enough of your tooth to work with. Sometimes, it has to do with either dental causes, such as tooth decay, and sometimes, it’s just the way your gums and teeth developed. Other reasons why this occurs include:
No matter what the reason for surgery, your family dentist Dr. Igor Khabensky makes sure that you understand all the important details before you agree. Whatever your concerns, he’ll address them fully and to your satisfaction.
If you need a filling, enough tooth has to be present to fill the cavity. If you need a crown, there has to be sufficient tooth exposure so that the crown stays in place and so that the edges aren’t seen. If the goal is cosmetic, your dentist in removes as much gum tissue and bone as is needed to provide an even gum line that looks good, but isn’t too low to expose the dental roots.
You may even be the one to take the initiative to ask your cosmetic dentist in Brooklyn about a crown lengthening procedure. If you have a tooth fracture and you need a restoration, your dentist might suggest the procedure.
Crown lengthening surgery is an outpatient procedure and usually takes about an hour. But this depends on the number of teeth that need it and whether your general dentist in needs to remove a lot of tissue.
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, but your dentist may also give you a sedative. Once the anesthesia has numbed your mouth, he cuts your gums so that they come away from your teeth to reveal more tooth enamel, sometimes even to the dental roots.
He then carefully removes the excess gum tissue — and bone, if necessary — so that more of your tooth is visible above the new gum line. After saltwater irrigation, he sutures the cuts he made. A bandage is applied if it’s needed.
The most common side effects include mild discomfort or pain after the anesthesia wears off. You may also notice bleeding, swelling, or sensitivity. These are temporary and ease with time as you heal.
There aren’t serious risks involved with this procedure. If you develop an infection, your Brooklyn general dentist often advises the appropriate treatment. It takes about three months to fully heal from a crown lengthening procedure. Make sure you follow all of your dentist’s post-op instructions.
Your dentist may prescribe medications and mouthwashes, if necessary, but it’s your responsibility to take care of your mouth after surgery to prevent complications. Some post-op care instructions include:
For crown lengthening pain, you can use ice packs and take over-the-counter pain medicine like ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Consult your general dentist in Brooklyn if you develop a fever or severe pain.
Whether you need crown lengthening surgery for cosmetic reasons or for dental restorations, your Brooklyn family dentist knows what to do. His expertise and efficiency keep your mouth healthy and your smile beautiful.
Do you have any questions about the esthetic crown lengthening surgery procedure in Brooklyn? For more information or to schedule an appointment with the best dentist Khabensky of Family Cosmetic & Implants Dentistry of Brooklyn? Please contact our dental clinic for consultation with the dentists Alex and Igor Khabensky DDS.
