Crown Lengthening Corpus Christi
Preparing Your Smile for a Dental Crown
Since broken teeth can’t repair themselves, your best option is typically to have them restored with a dental crown. However, in some situations, it may not be possible to place a crown without first removing some gum tissue. This is where crown lengthening comes in. Thanks to this procedure, Dr. Garcia can help ensure that you’re able to get the high-quality restoration that you need to save your tooth. Call our team at South Texas Periodontics & Implants today if you think you might benefit from crown lengthening in Corpus Christi.
Why Choose South Texas Periodontics & Implants for Crown Lengthening?
- Knowledgeable Board-Certified Periodontist
- Advanced Periodontal Technology
- Sedation for Nervous Patients
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening involves the removal of gum tissue that is currently covering a specific tooth that is in need of restoration. This procedure isn’t always required prior to the placement of the dental crown, but it could be necessary in the following circumstances:
- The tooth appears to be significantly shorter and stubbier than normal.
- The tooth broke off at or below the gum line.
- The tooth is suffering from significant decay beneath the gums.
We’ll need to take a close look at your teeth and your gums before determining whether to recommend crown lengthening in your case. Rest assured that if you do end up needing to undergo the procedure, we will take whatever steps are needed to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the process.
How Does Crown Lengthening Work?
We’ll go over the steps of crown lengthening with you to confirm that you fully understand what you can expect from the treatment. When the crown lengthening procedure begins, we can remove the unnecessary gum tissue from around the tooth in question. A soft-tissue laser can be used for this procedure; this approach minimizes bleeding and shortens the time needed for recovery afterward.
In some cases, crown lengthening may also require removing a small amount of bone in order to expose more of the tooth. Rest assured that we will aim to be as conservative as we can during the procedure by not removing more tissue than necessary.
What Are the Benefits of Crown Lengthening?
The primary benefit of the crown lengthening procedure is that it allows you to have important restorative dental work performed. By exposing more of the dental structure, we can make it possible to place a crown, thus allowing you to have the tooth in question saved instead of eventually needing to have it extracted.
It should also be noted that the results of crown lengthening are long-lasting. Generally speaking, removed gum tissue does not grow back. That means that you don’t have to worry about the gums regrowing and covering up your new dental crown.
Crown Lengthening FAQs
When Is Crown Lengthening Necessary?
Crown lengthening can be an effective cosmetic dental treatment used to address the excessive appearance of gum tissue in a person’s smile by removing a small amount of it from the base of the teeth. This method can be a great way to make some people more confident in their grins, but the procedure may also be necessary to prepare a severely compromised tooth for a restoration like a dental crown. In that case, removing a little bit of gum tissue will expose more of the tooth, which will allow the device to be attached more securely. Removing gum tissue may also be necessary so that one of the dentists at South Texas Periodontics & Implants can perform a restorative treatment below the gumline.
Can Crown Lengthening Improve My Smile?
Gum recontouring, also called gingivectomy, is a type of crown lengthening that removes a small amount of soft tissue for cosmetic reasons. This can reduce the appearance of gum tissue in a patient’s smile, which may make it easier for them to laugh and smile proudly.
What Happens During a Crown Lengthening Procedure?
The process of crown lengthening always begins with our oral surgeon evaluating your oral health, taking X-rays, and reviewing your medical history and list of medications. You may have to cease taking drugs that thin the blood or may interact with anesthetics before the procedure. If your crown lengthening is intended to prepare your mouth for a permanent crown, our team may install a temporary crown for protection before the treatment.
The crown lengthening procedure will begin with our dentist applying an appropriate anesthetic to ensure your comfort, and we may also recommend sedation for patients who are especially nervous or have difficulty sitting still. Then, we will carefully remove tissue as needed, gently clean the surgical site, and close the wound with stitches. We’ll also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that will help you enjoy a comfortable and complication-free recovery.
What Is Aftercare Like for Crown Lengthening Surgery?
After your crown lengthening procedure, we’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions that will probably include:
- Taking prescribed or over-the-counter medications such as pain relievers or antibiotics as instructed.
- Avoiding intense physical activity for several days.
- Applying an ice pack or cold compress to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoiding hot foods and beverages for at least twenty-four hours after the procedure.
- Refraining from rinsing your mouth with water, which may increase bleeding.
- Sticking to a soft diet.
- Abstaining from tobacco and alcohol.
- Avoiding drinking through a straw, which can stress your healing tissues.
You should feel better after several days, but it may take weeks or months for your mouth to heal completely. Contact our office if your pain seems to be getting worse or if you notice signs of infection like fever, fatigue, chills, or a foul taste in your mouth.