When a tooth is badly decayed due to many fillings or is damaged due to trauma, there may be enough tooth left so that a dental crown can be placed in order to save the tooth from extraction. However, there may not be quite enough of the tooth left to provide a good base to which a crown can adhere. When that happens, a crown lengthening procedure can remove gum tissue in order to lengthen the tooth area. This puts more of the tooth surface above the gum line so that a dental crown can be made that will fit properly. Crown lengthening may also be done for cosmetic purposes when the patient has a “gummy smile” or a smile with excessively small teeth and more than the usual amount of gum tissue showing.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
The crown lengthening procedure can usually be done in one dental office visit unless many teeth are involved. The visit may also take longer if the decayed tooth needs a lot of shaving of bone to smooth it out before a crown can be placed. A local anesthetic is given, and then the gum tissue is removed to lengthen the tooth. A mouth rinse is done and then sutures are often applied. Post-procedure pain is usually minimal and can be relieved by most over-the-counter pain medications, but if this does not relieve the pain, sometimes prescription pain medication as well as antibiotics may be prescribed. An ice pack may be applied to relieve swelling, twenty minutes on and twenty minutes off. Only soft foods should be eaten and strenuous activity should be avoided for the first two to three post-operative days.
Call to Schedule an Appointment With a Pennsylvania Crown Lengthening Dentist Today
When you’re concerned about decayed teeth and are wondering if they can be repaired, call to schedule an appointment with a Pennsylvania crown lengthening dentist today. The experienced professionals at Think Oral Implants and Periodontics offer you the most modern and effective crown lengthening, dental implant and dental crown treatments available. We serve the cities of Paoli, Malvern, West Philadelphia, Frazier, West Chester, Norristown, Wayne, Berwyn, Chesterbrook, Devault and surrounding communities. Visit our web page at https://think-oral-implants-and-periodontics.org/, or call us at 610-550-3333 and learn more about how crown lengthening may restore your damaged teeth.
