Crown Lengthening
Burbank, CA
Crown Lengthening provided by Lawrence Toomin, DDS
and Mark Bieber, DDS
in Burbank, CA at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry
 Crown lengthening is most often considered an elective procedure since it is done mostly for cosmetic reasons and not medical ones. However, it can be a medical treatment if you suffer from severe periodontal (gum) disease. The first step in periodontitis is to treat your gum disease, which may involve restorative dental cleaning or antibiotics. Afterward, a crown lengthening, also known as an aesthetic gum lift, may be necessary to restore your gums to normal.
Crown lengthening is a relatively simple dental surgery that instantly improves the appearance of the patient's smile. In some cases, patients have an excess of gum tissue covering a lot of the tooth's surfaces and makes their smile appear as a 'gummy smile.' A gummy smile simply means the teeth appear smaller than they are due to the gums receding. We will be glad to talk to you about the options available if you feel you have a need for crown lengthening. Come see us today at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry to talk about it.
What Is a Crown Lengthening Procedure?
For your crown lengthening procedure we will use a high-intensity laser beam to accurately cut away any excess gum tissue. Since we use a laser, it will also cauterize the blood vessels as we work on the gum line, which limits the bleeding that occurs. It also minimizes trauma to the gum tissue, which decreases swelling and reduces recovery time. More invasive surgery may be required if bone needs to be removed as well. Afterward, the gum is sutured snugly against the teeth, finishing the procedure.
Cosmetic Procedure - Fixing a "Gummy Smile"
Crown lengthening can be used to restore your gums if you have experienced periodontal disease or a natural receding gum line. If you suffer from a gummy smile, this cosmetic dentistry procedure can lengthen your tooth to give you normal-sized teeth, improving your smile greatly. It can also even out your gum line. In most cases, this is immediately noticeable and can improve your overall oral health care.
Making Room for Dental Restorations
Smile improvements do not just involve the teeth but can also include the gums. Crown lengthening can enhance the appearance of your smile by removing excess gum tissue, exposing more of the crown of a tooth, and ensuring the gum line of your teeth is in the best position to complement your teeth. It is always done in conjunction with other cosmetic dental treatments such as crowns, teeth whitening, or veneers. Our team at Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry is ready to give you that proportioned look you desire.
Am I a Candidate for a Crown Lengthening Procedure?
To determine if you are a candidate for a crown lengthening procedure, you should schedule a consultation with one of our dentists. During the consultation, several factors will be considered. These include the specific dental issue you are trying to address, the condition of your gums and teeth, your overall oral health, any underlying medical conditions, and your expectations and goals for the procedure.
Based on the evaluation, we will determine whether crown lengthening is a suitable treatment option for your needs. If you are considering crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons, it's essential to have a clear understanding of the potential outcomes and discuss your expectations with the dentist.
Crown Lengthening FAQ's
While crown lengthening can be an effective solution for certain dental issues, it is a surgical procedure, and as with any surgery, there are potential risks and recovery considerations. Our dentists will provide you with detailed information about the procedure, including what to expect during and after the surgery, to help you make an informed decision about whether it is the right treatment for you.
How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?
A crown lengthening procedure is usually performed in a single session at our office, making it a convenient procedure. The length of the procedure depends on the extent of work being done. Generally, a crown lengthening can take about on to two hours.
Is Crown Lengthening Painful?
To perform your crown lengthening, our team will place you under a local anesthetic. This is necessary to avoid any pain associated with cutting and sculpting your delicate gum tissue so that you only feel the pressure.
What and When Can I Eat After a Crown Lengthening?
During the first day or two after your procedure, you will have to limit your food options to only soft foods, such as yogurt, applesauce, and soup as your gums will be sensitive and tender during this time.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening procedures require very little time to heal, taking anywhere between a few days to a couple weeks for a complete recovery. This is more dependent on your body's ability to heal and if it was necessary to remove parts of your bone. We often recommend limiting activities on the first day or two after the surgery is completed, but you may resume normal daily activities afterward. We will provide you with a list of instructions for your dietary needs.
We will ask that you follow up in a few days to monitor your recovery and to check for infection. If you are more susceptible to infection, we may even prescribe you an antibiotic mouth rinse.
Do Gums Grow Back After Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is performed to expose more of the tooth's surface by reshaping the gum and bone tissue. However, once the gum and bone tissue have been removed or repositioned during crown lengthening, they do not naturally grow back on their own to their original position. The changes made to the gum and bone levels are generally permanent.
While the gum and bone tissue that is removed or adjusted during crown lengthening does not naturally grow back to its original position, the procedure is intended to provide lasting benefits for various dental purposes, such as restorative, cosmetic, or periodontal needs. Proper post-operative care and follow-up appointments with your dental care provider can help ensure the success and longevity of the treatment.
Crown Lengthening at Toomin & Bieber
Having a crown lengthening procedure can alter your life completely, giving you a radiant smile you did not think was possible. If you feel this procedure is necessary for you, contact our Toomin & Bieber Aesthetic Comprehensive Dentistry office today at (818) 748-9998. We can help guide you through the process. |
