Crowns are artificial caps that are fitted over the natural teeth for structural or aesthetic reasons. The tooth-shaped caps are often recommended to fix dental problems such as broken, cracked, or misshapen teeth.
Dentists use crowns to perform various dental procedures, which include dental implants, root canals, and bridges. Crown lengthening is a process where the dental surgeon re-contours the tissue in the gum and, in some cases, the bone. This is done to expose the tooth’s surface more in preparation for the installation of a crown.
Why Crown Lengthening?
Periodontists spend an hour or less performing this procedure from start to finish. The procedure is necessary in cases where the tooth surface is inadequate to grip the crown. If a tooth is severely damaged or broken, it can prevent a crown from attaching firmly.
The crown lengthening process reduces the tissue making up the gum, and where necessary shaves down the bone to reveal the tooth more. Having the tooth above the gum surface will ensure that the crown fits more snugly. A properly fitted crown will mean more comfort and better oral hygiene.
About the Procedure
Crown lengthening does not require hospital admission, which means that you can get back to your normal routine after the treatment. The time it takes to complete the treatment will depend on different issues. It will take longer if the periodontist has to perform the procedure on many teeth.
If the periodontist needs to remove any bone or soft tissue, it will affect the duration of the procedure. In some cases, the patient may have received a provisional crown, and the periodontist should remove it first.
During the Procedure
The procedure involves cutting the gums and pulling them back, which exposes the roots and the bones. Other times, the surgeon will only need to remove gum tissue. The surgical area will be washed using saltwater before it is sutured.
After suturing the gums back, the periodontist will place a bandage on top for added protection. Once the anesthesia wears off, patients often experience a bit of pain. Patients are directed to take pain medication and a special mouth rinse to aid with the healing process.
Risks of Crown Lengthening
As with all surgical procedures, there are some risks associated with crown lengthening. Infection is a possible risk that can be avoided with proper post-surgical care. Following the surgeon’s instructions will help prevent infection during recovery.
Patients may experience some bleeding soon after, and the teeth may become sensitive to heat and cold. The sensitivity reduces over time. In some cases, the tooth can appear longer than those next to it. The tooth can feel looser if a bone has been removed.
Recovering From Crown Lengthening
Recovering from crown lengthening usually takes about three months. It is, however, possible to continue normal duties even as the gum continues to heal. During this time, you should avoid strenuous activities that can cause bleeding or inhibit the healing process.
Avoiding smoking and hot foods and taking prescription medication will aid in healing. An icepack can help reduce swelling a few hours following the procedure. Crown lengthening can help protect the health of the teeth.
For more on crown lengthening or to schedule an appointment, call Marine Park Periodontics and Implantology in Brooklyn, New York at (646) 863-4810 today.
