Cosmetic Dentistry: What Is Crown Lengthening?

Cosmetic Dentistry Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana clinic to learn more about how crown lengthening can be used to improve the way your teeth look.

Request an appointment here: https://crispinchangdds.com or call Santa Ana Dentistry at (714) 782-0357 for an appointment in our Santa Ana office.

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

Recent Posts

Cosmetic Dentistry: 4 Benefits Of Dental Implants

Learning more about available cosmetic dentistry options is the first step to getting a new smile. One of the more common problems people experience that make them want to get a new smile is that they are missing one or more of their teeth. Dental implants are a popular tooth replacement option due to the…

Why Would I Need Cosmetic Dentistry?

Cosmetic dentistry is the specialty that focuses on improving the way that the teeth appear. Additionally, cosmetic dentists make an effort to improve overall function. There are many different cosmetic dentistry options for improving one’s teeth and gums, making it necessary to understand how each works. Ready to learn more?Understanding the different types of cosmetic…

Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures For White Teeth

There are a handful of cosmetic dentistry procedures that can be used to improve the color of a person's teeth. Most people would love to have pearly white teeth, but that is easier said than done. Teeth are regularly exposed to foods and beverages that can stain them. They are also exposed to certain medications…

Dental Fillings: A Dental Restoration To Treat Cavities

The term dental restoration refers to a number of procedures used to repair or restore function and aesthetics to teeth that are in bad shape, whether it be due to cavities, imperfections, or abnormalities. Modern-day dentistry has allowed for the evolution of many different types of dental restorations, including dental fillings, which are typically the…

Recent Posts

When Is A Smile Makeover Recommended?

When Is A Smile Makeover Recommended?

You know that you need a smile makeover when you are unhappy with your smile. Getting this makeover usually results in dramatic improvements. You may have denied yourself a dental treatment like this before, but maybe now is the right time to get one. If you are wondering whether it is time for you to…

Are Composite Dental Fillings Permanent?

Are Composite Dental Fillings Permanent?

Composite dental fillings are one of the popular ways to deal with tooth decay nowadays. These restorations do not last forever, but they can last up to 10 years with good oral hygiene. Composites can be color-matched with your teeth so that any repairs made with them blend in with the rest of your teeth.…