332 North York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126
Crown Lengthening In Elmhurst, IL
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that is typically done to improve gum health, prepare the mouth for other treatments, or correct a "gummy smile." A gummy smile refers to a situation where the teeth are covered by excessive gum tissue, resulting in an aesthetically unpleasing smile. The procedure involves reshaping and recontouring the gum tissue and bone around the affected tooth to establish a new gum-to-tooth relationship. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire gum line.
Crown lengthening may be necessary when a tooth requires a new crown or another type of restoration. By performing crown lengthening, the restorative dentist can access the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. Additionally, it provides enough tooth structure to prevent the new restoration from becoming loose in the future. This allows for effective cleaning of the restoration's edge during brushing and flossing, reducing the risk of decay and gum disease.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening typically takes about one hour, but the duration may vary depending on the number of teeth involved and the need for bone removal. The procedure is usually done under local anesthesia and involves making small incisions to separate the gums from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires the procedure, the surrounding teeth may need to be adjusted for a more balanced reshaping. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also be removed.
Once our dentist is satisfied with the exposure of the teeth and the procedure is finished, the incisions are cleaned with sterile water. Sutures are then placed to secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. Immediately after surgery, your teeth will appear longer due to the repositioned gums. You will need to return for a follow-up appointment in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and assess your healing progress. It typically takes about six to eight weeks for the surgical site to fully heal.