If you're considering enhancing your smile or improving your oral health, you may have come across the term "crown lengthening surgery." At Perio Dental, Dr. Roy specializes in this surgical procedure, offering a precise and safe solution for patients who require crown lengthening for both cosmetic and functional purposes. Our clinic adheres to the highest standards of sterilization, ensuring a clean and safe environment for every patient.
Crown lengthening surgery is a periodontal procedure aimed at exposing more of the tooth structure by reshaping or removing gum tissue, and in some cases, bone. This is typically done to improve the aesthetics of your smile or to prepare a tooth for restorative dental work like crowns or bridges. The surgery is commonly performed on patients who have a "gummy smile" or when a tooth needs to be restored but not enough of it is visible above the gum line.
There are several reasons why crown lengthening may be required, both for health and cosmetic purposes:
If your tooth has broken near or below the gum line, or if there’s insufficient tooth structure available for placing a crown or filling, crown lengthening helps expose more of the tooth. This allows your dentist to properly restore the tooth with a crown, bridge, or filling.
Some people have excess gum tissue covering their teeth, making their teeth appear shorter than they are. Crown lengthening can be done to remove the excess gum tissue, making your teeth look longer and creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile.
In cases where cavities extend below the gum line, crown lengthening is required to expose more of the tooth, making it easier for the dentist to clean and restore the area.
Excess gum tissue can make it difficult to properly clean between teeth and along the gum line, which increases the risk of gum disease. By reshaping the gums, crown lengthening can help improve oral hygiene and reduce the risk of periodontal issues.
Crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about an hour, depending on the number of teeth involved and the complexity of the case. At Perio Dental, Dr. Roy uses state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure precision and patient comfort throughout the process. Here's what you can expect:
During your initial consultation, Dr. Roy will evaluate your oral health and determine if crown lengthening is the best option for you. X-rays or scans may be taken to get a full view of the underlying bone structure.
On the day of the procedure, local anesthesia will be administered to numb the area, ensuring a pain-free experience.
Dr. Roy will carefully remove and reshape the gum tissue around the affected tooth or teeth. In some cases, a small amount of bone may also be removed to expose more of the tooth structure.
At Perio Dental, we go to extreme lengths to maintain the highest level of cleanliness and sterilization during all surgical procedures. Not only are our instruments fully sterilized, but even the countertops are covered with sterilized paper to minimize any risk of contamination. You can trust that your safety is our top priority.
Once the desired amount of tooth is exposed, the area will be sutured to help with healing. A protective dressing may also be placed over the gums to minimize discomfort.
Dr. Roy will provide you with specific post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Pain is generally minimal and can be managed with over-the-counter medications. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor healing and remove any sutures.
Healing from crown lengthening surgery usually takes about 7 to 10 days, although full gum maturation can take a few months. During the healing process, it’s important to follow all post-surgical care instructions provided by Dr. Roy to ensure a smooth recovery. You’ll be advised to avoid certain foods, maintain good oral hygiene, and possibly use a special mouthwash to keep the area clean.
At Perio Dental, we believe that patient safety and comfort are paramount. From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll experience the highest standards of care and professionalism. Dr. Roy’s extensive training in periodontics and his attention to detail ensure that every procedure, including crown lengthening, is performed with the utmost precision.
We take sterilization very seriously. In addition to sterilizing all our instruments, we also ensure that every surface in the surgery room is kept hygienic. Even our countertops are lined with sterilized paper to minimize the risk of infection. You can feel confident knowing that we take every possible precaution to create a safe and sterile environment for your treatment.
If you think you may need crown lengthening surgery or have been referred by your dentist for the procedure, Dr. Roy and his team at Perio Dental are here to help. We offer comprehensive care and a commitment to achieving the best results for our patients. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more beautiful smile.