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Crown Lengthening Surgery

what it is and when this technique is used ?

Although crown lengthening is an uncomplicated treatment, the truth is that it often raises concerns in many people who need to undergo it. Therefore, being one of the treatments that patients consult us the most in our dental clinic in Arlington, Virginia.

What is dental crown lengthening surgery?

Crown Lengthening Surgery is a surgical dental technique that reshapes the gum contour to expose a greater teeth surface area. It is a periodontal surgery technique most often used to rebuild a tooth with a cavity below the gum.If there is not enough support for a crown treatment or if the hole under the gums is too deep, a crown extension may be necessary. Another reason could be that the teeth are short and the gums are uneven, making it a cosmetic issue. In that case, crown lengthening is also a solution.

When is crown lengthening performed?

As we advanced in the previous lines, the lengthening of the crown is usually the step before the reconstruction of a tooth. The procedure involves removing some gum tissue (sometimes bone) to expose more of the crown so decay can be treated (and a crown fitted if necessary). Once this is done, the dentist only has to clean and close the wound. In addition to teeth with caries below the gum line, crown lengthening is indicated in the following cases:
  • When there are perforations in the endodontics at the bottom of the gingival sulcus.
  • When the tooth or teeth present reabsorption in the root.
  • When some part breaks the tooth or teeth of the crown or root.
  • When renewing a dental cover or a bridge is necessary because these margins are already below the gum.
  • For aesthetic reasons, when the gum line is irregular or too low, the teeth appear to be of different sizes or very small.

How is crown lengthening performed?

Crown lengthening is usually performed under local anesthesia (sometimes sedation can be used if the work is large and the patient feels very anxious) and consists of several incisions in the tissue to detach the gum from the tooth and gain access to the root. And to the adjacent bone.Once our qualified dentist considers enough exposed tooth structure, he repairs the decay and places a crown if necessary. Finally, only the area should be cleaned well, and the gum around the tooth sutured.

What happens after crown lengthening?

The postoperative period of crown lengthening is not excessively painful or annoying, although it is common to present some inflammation and pain in the affected area during the following days. Until the removal of the stitches (approximately one week later), it is strictly necessary to carefully follow the dentist’s instructions regarding oral hygiene to avoid infection. In addition, he or she may prescribe some anti-inflammatories to reduce pain and inflammation in the gums.