Crown Lengthening

A crown lengthening procedure exposes more of the tooth so it can be restored with a dental crown. Our dentist in The Woodlands, TX at Dental Specialists & Implant Center at The Woodlands often does this procedure if too much of the teeth has receded, causing a “gummy” smile. It can also correct a tooth that is too tall or too short. During the procedure, the excess gum tissue is removed so the tooth can be reshaped and adequately supported for a restoration like a dental crown.

Reasons for Crown Lengthening

To correct the shape of your gum line and expose more tooth structure, your dentist can perform crown lengthening. You may request this procedure if your tooth is longer than the others or your gum line is uneven. In general, patients request this after they have been treated with orthodontics. Since teeth can become longer with age, some patients may benefit from crown lengthening even if they have never been treated for orthodontic reasons.

The Procedure for Crown Lengthening Surgery

You will be put under anesthesia for your procedure to sleep right through it. During crown lengthening surgery, we will reshape the gums around one or more teeth to expose more of the natural tooth. We do this because having excess gum tissue can make it harder to properly brush and floss your teeth. In addition, removing excess tissue can prevent future decay and infections in your gums. We will remove enough tissue so that your tooth has a symmetrical appearance and a uniform length with other teeth in your mouth. Once we have taken this initial step, we can place a dental crown to protect and restore the tooth’s function.

After your procedure, you may experience discomfort and pain in your mouth for several days. Over-the-counter pain medications can help with this. You may find that you drool more than usual during this time as well. You may also find it difficult to chew or speak clearly for the first few days after surgery. This is because your gums and teeth will be sore and easily irritated by the significant increase in pressure created by the tooth being reshaped. A soft diet is recommended during this initial recovery period. 

To learn more about the benefits of crown lengthening procedures, contact Dental Specialists & Implant Center in The Woodlands at 3117 College Park Dr #230, The Woodlands, TX, or call (936) 231-8937.