Your teeth may actually be the proper lengths, but they’re covered with too much gum tissue. To correct this, your periodontist performs crown lengthening.
Many individuals may perceive their teeth as being too short, when in fact, they are of appropriate length but covered by excessive gum tissue. Crown lengthening, performed by a skilled periodontist, involves reshaping the gum and bone tissues to reveal more of the natural tooth structure. This procedure can be carried out on a single tooth to address specific concerns, or on multiple teeth to achieve a broader, more natural-looking smile.
Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure designed to create a solid foundation for restorative and cosmetic dentistry while improving the overall aesthetics of your gum line. This article explores the benefits and applications of crown lengthening, addressing common concerns such as a “gummy” smile and the need for restorative dental procedures.
In addition to addressing cosmetic concerns, crown lengthening may be recommended by your dentist or periodontist to facilitate restorative or cosmetic dental procedures. For instance, if a tooth is severely decayed, broken below the gum line, or lacks sufficient structure for a crown or bridge restoration, crown lengthening can adjust the gum and bone levels to expose more of the tooth’s surface, enabling successful restoration.
Apart from addressing aesthetic concerns, crown lengthening may be recommended by your dentist or periodontist to enable restorative or cosmetic dental procedures. If you have a decayed tooth, a tooth broken below the gum line, or insufficient tooth structure for a restoration like a crown or bridge, crown lengthening can adjust the gum and bone levels to expose more of the tooth, making it easier to restore.
Undergoing crown lengthening offers several benefits that positively impact both function and aesthetics. Here are the advantages you can expect:
Improved Aesthetics: By exposing more of the natural tooth structure, crown lengthening enhances the appearance of your smile, making your teeth appear longer and more proportionate. This procedure can effectively address the issue of a “gummy” smile, providing you with a more confident and attractive smile.
Enhanced Periodontal Health: Crown lengthening not only contributes to a more appealing smile but also promotes better periodontal health. By reducing excess gum tissue, it becomes easier to maintain proper oral hygiene and prevent the accumulation of plaque and bacteria that can lead to gum disease. This ultimately improves your overall oral health and reduces the risk of future complications.
Restorative Possibilities: Crown lengthening creates the necessary space to accommodate restorative or cosmetic dental treatments. By exposing more of the tooth, it allows your dentist or periodontist to perform procedures such as dental crowns, bridges, or other restorations with ease. This enables you to regain full functionality of your teeth and ensures long-lasting results.
Dr. Efraim Florendo earned his Dental degree in 2000. His enthusiasm to expand his dental knowledge brought him to the field of Dental Research and he worked in San Francisco as a Dental Researcher for two years.
This vivified his passion for Dentistry and willed him to practice the Art and Science of Dentistry in various cities such as San Bruno, San Francisco, Sacramento, Vallejo, San Jose until he finally found his heart and decided to settle in the lovely and warm city of Modesto.
Dr. Alexandra Chang, DDS, MS is a native of the San Francisco Bay area. She went to U.C. Davis for her undergraduate studies and attend U.C San Francisco for her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. After completing her studies in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics at The Ohio State University, she returned to California.
She has been practicing orthodontics for over 10 years and loves working with young children and adults. On her free time, she enjoys traveling and learning about new cultures. She also likes to spend with her family and two japanese bobtail cats.
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