Crown Lengthening in Woodbridge, Vaughan
Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure that reshapes the gum tissue and bone around a tooth to expose more of the tooth’s surface. Whether it’s done for cosmetic purposes or to prepare the mouth for restorative treatments like a crown or filling, crown lengthening is a crucial step in improving oral health and creating a balanced smile.
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- Experienced and Compassionate Team: Our dental professionals are highly trained and committed to providing gentle, patient-focused care.
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What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that adjusts the level of the gum and sometimes the underlying bone around a tooth. This process exposes more of the tooth’s structure, allowing for better placement of a crown, filling, or other restorative materials.
When is Crown Lengthening Necessary?
This type of crown lengthening is often necessary when there isn’t enough visible tooth above the gumline for a proper restoration, such as a crown or filling. This can happen due to:
- Tooth Fracture: If a tooth breaks near the gumline, crown lengthening may be required to expose more of the tooth.
- Deep Decay: When decay extends below the gumline, crown lengthening is needed to access and treat the affected area.
- Inadequate Tooth Structure: Sometimes, there isn’t enough tooth visible to support a crown or bridge, and lengthening the crown of the tooth makes placement possible.
How Does Crown Lengthening Work?
Crown lengthening is a relatively straightforward procedure that a periodontist or dentist performs, typically under local anesthesia. It involves:
- Reshaping the Gum Tissue: The dentist or periodontist makes small incisions in the gum tissue to pull it away from the tooth, exposing the bone and tooth root.
- Bone Reshaping (if necessary): If the bone level needs adjustment, the dentist may remove a small amount of bone to allow for the proper amount of tooth exposure.
- Closing the Gum Tissue: Once the correct amount of the tooth is exposed, the gum tissue is reshaped, sutured, and allowed to heal.
Types of Crown Lengthening
This involves removing or reshaping only the gum tissue around the tooth to expose more of the tooth’s structure. This type is commonly used for cosmetic crown lengthening or minor cases where there’s no need to alter the bone.
In cases where the bone structure needs adjustment, the dentist will reshape both the gum and the bone around the tooth to ensure enough tooth is exposed. This is more common in functional crown lengthening when preparing the tooth for a crown or filling.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening offers both functional and aesthetic benefits:
- Improved Oral Health: Removing excess gum tissue helps in better cleaning, reducing the risk of gum disease.
- Easier Maintenance: Exposed teeth are easier to clean and maintain, promoting long-term oral health.
- Enhanced Smile Appearance: For cosmetic purposes, crown lengthening can dramatically improve the appearance of a smile by making teeth look longer and more proportionate.
Recovery and Aftercare
After crown lengthening, patients can expect some minor discomfort and swelling. Your dentist will prescribe pain relievers and recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen.
Post-Procedure Instructions:
- Avoid hard or sticky foods for the first few days.
- Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods like soups, yogurt, and smoothies.
- Practice careful oral hygiene, especially around the surgical site, to avoid infection.
- Use a prescribed mouth rinse to keep the area clean.
Follow-Up Appointments
Your dentist will schedule follow-ups to check how your gums are healing. Stitches are typically removed within a week, but full healing can take up to 12 weeks.
Crown Lengthening for Gum Disease Treatment
For patients with periodontal disease, crown lengthening may be recommended to reduce deep gum pockets where bacteria can collect. By reshaping the gums and removing bone where necessary, Crown Lengthening in Woodbridge helps make the teeth and gums easier to clean, improving long-term oral health and reducing the risk of further infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain. Post-surgery discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers.
Q2. How long does it take to heal after crown lengthening?
The entire process usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour, making it a convenient option for those looking for fast results.
Q3. Can crown lengthening improve my smile?
Yes! Crown lengthening is often used to correct a “gummy” smile and expose more tooth, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
Q4. How much does crown lengthening cost in Woodbridge?
Costs for Crown Lengthening in Woodbridge vary depending on the complexity of the procedure and the number of teeth involved. Many dental offices offer payment plans, and your insurance may cover part of the cost if it’s medically necessary.
Q5. Will insurance cover crown lengthening?
If the procedure is required for functional reasons (like preparing for a crown), it may be partially covered by dental insurance. However, cosmetic crown lengthening is typically not covered.