A Guide To Dental Crown Lengthening Treatments for a beautiful smile at Fort Collins

What is dental crown lengthening?

Surgical crown lengthening is a dental procedure used to lengthen the exposed portion of the tooth by reducing the amount of gum tissue to provide an optimal surface for a dental crown or bridge to be placed.

The concept of crown lengthening was first by D.W Cohen in 1962. And the basic idea still remains the same. Periodontal surgery may be done for therapeutic or cosmetic reasons and usually takes less than an hour to complete. The goal of the surgical technique is to restore the health of the gums and the longevity of the tooth.

Why do you need periodontal crown lengthening? When should you perform the crown lengthening procedure?

The  crown lengthening technique  is a procedure or oral surgery that is often done before other dental treatments, such as getting a dental crown or bridge. It is necessary to ensure that the clinical outcomes of the restoration are done comfortably and that the patient receives an aesthetically pleasing result.

Reasons for performing crown lengthening surgery include repairing teeth due to trauma or gum disease, ensuring a more symmetrical smile and dental crown placement, and having enough of the tooth exposed to perform the procedure comfortably. It is important to  discuss this restorative treatment with your dentist to determine if crown lengthening is the right solution for you.

What Does a Crown Lengthening Procedure Involve?

A crown lengthening procedure involves removing or reshaping gum and bone tissue in order to expose more of the tooth’s surface. It is typically done as part of a dental treatment process to help with the placement of a crown or bridge. The procedure is done under general anesthesia and may involve removing, reshaping, and/or contouring gum tissue and/or bone. The procedure may also be done for cosmetic reasons to reduce the visibility of the gum in the smile.

After the esthetic crown lengthening procedure, recovery generally takes a few weeks, and the patient will be advised to take it easy and follow post-op instructions. During this period, patients may experience swelling, discomfort, and sensitivity.

Types Of Crown Lengthening Procedures done at Fort Collins Perio!

Gingivectomy

Gingivectomy  is a procedure used to reduce or remove gum tissue from the teeth. It is typically done using a scalpel, laser, or electrically heated instrument while the patient is under local anesthetic. The aim of the procedure is to shorten the height of the gums, creating more symmetry in the gum line. The soft tissue typically heals within 4-6 weeks.

Crown lengthening is similar to a gingivectomy in that it also involves removing gum tissue from the teeth. However, it is more complex because it may involve reshaping the underlying bone in addition to removing the gum tissue. The procedure typically takes longer than a gingivectomy and is done with the patient under local anesthesia. After the treatment is complete, the gums are cleaned, and the flaps are closed with sutures.

Apically Repositioned Flap Surgery

Apically repositioned flap surgery is a type of crown lengthening surgery that involves removing portions of gum and bone from the area of the mouth to be treated. The procedure begins with an incision to create a flap of tissue, which is then gently lifted up, and portions of tissue are removed. The flap is then inclined towards the root and held in place with stitches. In some cases, portions of the underlying bone may also need to be removed.

The difference between this periodontal surgery and other types of crown lengthening is that the flap is repositioned rather than removed.

During the healing period, the patient may need to wear a dental dressing over the affected area.

Surgical Extrusion

Surgical extrusion and crown lengthening are both periodontal treatments used to reposition teeth in order to provide an esthetic look and restore the proper functioning of the teeth in the mouth.

Surgical extrusion is used when a tooth is damaged or fractured and is positioned below the gum line, while crown lengthening is used to adjust the gum line to expose more of the affected tooth. In surgical extrusion, a wire brace or splinter is used to bind the tooth, and mechanical force is used to reposition it. In crown lengthening, the excess gum tissue is removed, and the area is sutured shut.

Both procedures involve the use of anesthetic, preparation, incision, extraction, repositioning, reshaping, and suturing. The three above methods are  well-researched and approved procedures when it comes to dental crown lengthening treatments.

What is the average crown lengthening surgery cost?

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that is used to reveal more of a tooth’s structure for restorative or cosmetic reasons. The cost of the surgical procedure varies depending on factors such as the number of teeth needing work, insurance coverage, and the location of the teeth.

Generally, the procedure costs between $50 and $300 for one tooth and up to $2,000 or more for multiple teeth. Your insurance may cover the cost of the procedure for medical rather than cosmetic reasons. The pain associated with the esthetic treatment procedure is typically minimal and lasts from a few days to a week. After the healing process is complete, you can expect to see a significant difference in crown lengthening before and after.

Is crown lengthening painful?

At  Fort Collins Perio, we ensure that you are under general anesthesia or local anesthesia for the surgery. Our professional periodontist/restorative dentist will make sure that you feel no pain during the surgery.

How to Recover From Crown Lengthening Surgery

Immediately After Surgery

Apply an ice pack for approximately 20 minutes on and off the day of your surgery to reduce any swelling. To reduce unwanted bleeding, avoid hot foods and beverages. Avoid strenuous activities for the first 48 to 72 hours. Take any prescribed or over-the-counter medications as suggested for pain management.

Additional Recovery Tips: What to eat after crown lengthening?

Your gums may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures for quite a while. Avoid hard, spicy, or sticky foods during the recovery process. Soft foods and plenty of water will allow the gums to heal faster. Do not drink alcohol or smoke for 7 to 10 days. Refrain from running your tongue over treated gums. Avoid pulling your lip outward to check on the surgical site.

Schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to monitor the healing process. Wait four to six weeks after the procedure before getting a permanent restoration. Watch for infection risk and seek medical attention if necessary.

How long does it take for a crown lengthening to heal?

The Crown lengthening process is a simple procedure that goes a long way to ensure a healthy, long-lasting crown restoration. It is not as painful as it may seem, and the pain usually lasts a few days to a week after surgery. The crown lengthening recovery time is fairly short, and most of your regular daily activities can resume right after surgery.

The gum tissue healing typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, and the full recovery is typically 3 to 6 months. Once the swelling has gone down, you can get a permanent restoration. Before that, you should wait four to six weeks after the procedure and get the go-ahead from your periodontist.

After that, you should schedule a follow-up appointment with your dentist to monitor the healing process. If you have any questions about your recovery or anything related to periodontal health, you can always ask the best dentists in Fort Collins by calling here (970) 221-2444.

What are the benefits of crown lengthening?

The benefits of crown lengthening include improved dental health, a broader, more symmetrical smile, and reduced chances of tooth decay and gum diseases. It can also be necessary to repair teeth affected by trauma or gum disease and to provide more surface area for dental procedures, such as bridges, root canals, and dental implants.

The crown-lengthening surgical process is often used to improve the look of teeth and create better smiles and minimize the amount of gum that is visible when smiling. When performed properly, crown lengthening can increase the health and longevity of your teeth. If you want to make your smile happier, check out our  crown-lengthening services!

What is the difference between crown lengthening and crown restoration?

Crown lengthening and crown restoration are two different dental procedures with different purposes. Crown lengthening is a process by which a periodontist removes or reshapes gum tissue and possibly bone tissue to expose more of the tooth's surface. This is typically done for restorative or aesthetic purposes for those patients who do not like gummy smiles. Crown restoration, on the other hand, is the process of restoring a damaged or decayed tooth with a crown. This involves placing a custom-made cap, or crown, over the damaged tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and function. Both procedures are important and can help improve the overall health of your smile.

In summary,  dental crown lengthening is a procedure used to reshape the gum line to expose more of the tooth structure. It can be done for both cosmetic and medical reasons. The procedure involves removing tissue, reshaping the gum line, and suturing the area.  The results of crown lengthening can be evaluated by looking at the amount of exposed tooth structure and assessing the aesthetic value of the smile. Recovery from crown lengthening surgery can take up to two weeks. There are benefits of crown lengthening, including improved oral health and improved aesthetics.

The difference between crown lengthening and crown restoration is that crown lengthening is a procedure that reshapes the gum line and exposes more of the tooth structure, while crown restoration is a procedure that involves placing a new crown on the existing tooth structure.

If you are considering dental crown lengthening, it is important to consult with a qualified dentist. For more information, contact the doctors at fortcollinsperio.com.