Crown Lengthening

This is a cosmetic dentistry treatment that involves surgically removing excess gum tissue so that a crown restoration may fully cover the tooth being restored. By exposing more of the tooth structure, the area increases for proper fitting of the crown restoration. Depending on treatment needs, part of the alveolar bone may need removing for more tooth surface coverage.

Suitability of Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is appropriate in cases of problems such as root fracture or perforation, presence of gum infection, or decay on the tooth root surface, and where insufficient crown length exists due to crown fracture or tooth damage.

Scenarios where crown lengthening may not be considered a suitable treatment include poor oral hygiene and/or gum infection, thin gum tissue, presence of long clinical crowns on front teeth, post-surgery un-restorable teeth, insufficient tooth root length, risk of molar root exposure post-crown lengthening and lifestyle factors, such as smoking, which increases the risk of oral disease.

Preparation for Crown Lengthening

The clinician examines the patient’s oral health for suitability of Crown Lengthening treatment. Impressions are taken of the patient’s mouth, with an X-ray and photograph imaging of the teeth structure. These oral impressions and images are used to create precise wax crown example, which mimic the final result of tooth with crown restoration.

Patients then have the opportunity to see what their teeth will look like after Crown Lengthening. If patients are happy to proceed once versed of their care plan, a consent form for treatment is signed and the patient’s mouth is cleaned and prepared for Crown Lengthening treatment.

Options

There are different types of Crown Lengthening surgery and they include:

  • Gingivectomy, using laser gum surgery to remove excess gum tissue.
  • Pressured root eruption through surgery or Invisalign orthodontic treatment.
  • Apical repositioning through gum surgery with or without bone abridgement.

Patients also have the option of Conscious IV Sedation for greater relaxation during Crown Lengthening treatment. Patients with dental phobia particularly benefit from the calming atmosphere during surgery.

Risks of Crown Lengthening Surgery

Depending on the patient’s oral and overall health, they may be at lesser or higher risk during Crown Lengthening surgery. Clinicians are trained and experienced in minimising surgical risks for best patient outcomes.

Risks inherent within Crown Lengthening surgery include developing little black triangles between teeth, gum colour alteration, changing tooth movement, gum recession, root sensitivity and resorption. Rebounding gum tissue is another risk that is caused by genetic soft tissue growth between the gum and bone crest margin.

During discussion of the care plan, patients are informed of all risks, benefits and costs associated with Crown Lengthening surgery. Transparent about costs are essential to ensure there are no concealed charges.

Alternates to Crown Lengthening surgery are also discussed, such as tooth extrusion with Invisalign treatment and tooth extraction where dental implants serve as replacement tooth roots. Final crown restoration of the tooth is typically completed between 2 and 6 months after Crown Lengthening surgery.

Post Crown Lengthening Surgery Care

The clinician provides patients with guidelines on how best to care for their oral health after Crown Lengthening surgery. Recommended guidelines to follow include:

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Minimum one-hour ice pack application to the face

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Resting the mouth for at least three hours, followed by eating soft foods for the next 24 hours

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Continue brushing and flossing after the three hours but exclude the treatment site

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Being aware that temporary tenderness, swelling and bleeding may follow

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Using prescribed painkillers, antibiotics and antibacterial mouthwash to reduce discomfort and lower risk of infection

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Contacting the clinic with concerns or if pain persists

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Attending a follow-up appointment within 10 to 14 days to monitor healing and remove sutures

More information

We aim to make cosmetic dentistry treatments, including Crown Lengthening surgery, available to all through affordable finance options. We offer finance plans to help patients spread treatment costs according to their budgets. If you are interested to know more about our finance plans, get in touch with us and we’ll discuss this further with you.

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