Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes the underlying bone, to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It is a procedure that increases the amount of visible tooth structure.
Purpose:
This procedure can be performed for restorative purposes, to prepare a tooth for a crown, or for cosmetic reasons, to improve the appearance of a ‘gummy smile’.
Restorative purposes:
When a tooth is fractured or decayed below the gum line, crown lengthening creates enough space for a proper restoration, such as a crown. It ensures there is sufficient tooth structure for a secure and stable restoration.
Cosmetic Concerns:
‘Gummy smile’ correction: If excessive gum tissue covers the teeth, crown lengthening can create a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. It can also correct asymmetries in the gum line, resulting in a more harmonious appearance.
Improving the jaw bone quality before implant placement
The Crown Lengthening Procedure:
Anaesthesia:
The procedure is typically performed under local anaesthesia. However, intravenous sedation or general anaesthetic can be considered if you are too anxious about the procedure.
Process:
The Periodontist will carefully remove excess gum tissue and, if necessary, a small amount of bone to expose the desired amount of tooth structure. Sutures will be placed if necessary.
Healing:
Healing is mostly quick and with minimal discomfort. Painkillers may be required for the first few days. In most cases, within one week, the area has healed well, with little to no discomfort remaining. However, healing varies from person to person and may take longer.
It’s important to note that although you may feel no discomfort after one-week, additional healing continues internally, which can take a few weeks until the final position of the gums is achieved.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening:
Improved Restorative Outcomes:
It provides a solid foundation for crowns and other restorations, enhancing the longevity and success of restorative dental work.
Enhanced Aesthetics:
Crown lengthening creates a more balanced and attractive smile, which can boost confidence and self-esteem.
Further assessment, evaluation, and information specific to your needs will be provided during the consultation.
Does gum maintenance hurt?
Periodontal maintenance isn’t usually painful. Some patients may experience mild discomfort during the cleaning process. Your dental hygienist can use numbing agents or adjust the cleaning technique to make you are more comfortable.
How often do I need periodontal maintenance?
Periodontal maintenance appointment frequency is different from one to one and depends on many factors, including your susceptibility to gum disease (periodontal disease), risk factors for gum disease progression, like smoking and diabetes, and your ability to perform good oral hygiene at home. The frequency of Periodontal maintenance appointments can vary between being provided every 3 months to being provided every 9 months, depending on the above-mentioned factors. At these appointments the gum health will be carefully checked to ensure that everything is ok and plaque and calculus that is difficult to remove daily at home will be removed from above and below the gum line.
Will I ever have healthy gums again?
Gum disease is incurable but manageable with the appropriate treatment. In concept, it is very similar to people who have high blood pressure or diabetes, where they have to take the medications regularly to stay on top of their health problem. With gum disease, we don’t have medications to control it, hence, regular periodontal maintenance is crucial to keep the gums as healthy as possible and prevent further periodontal disease progression.
Can I perform periodontal maintenance at home?
Daily home care, including good oral hygiene and some lifestyle changes, is crucial to keeping your gums healthy after periodontal treatment. These oral hygiene habits aim to disrupt the bacteria, allowing the gums to stay healthy around the teeth. Proper brushing and flossing should be part of these habits. However, some plaque and tartar (calculus) will always reform, and they are difficult to remove. Therefore, regular periodontal maintenance visits are essential to keep your gums healthy in the long term.
Is periodontal maintenance worth it?
In short yes. Periodontal maintenance aims at keeping the gum tissues healthy and prevents the progression of gum disease. By undergoing regular periodontal maintenance, you are keeping your gums and teeth in a very healthy shape and reducing the risk of gum disease progression. Untreated periodontal disease is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in adults.
The Periodontists specialise in all kinds of dental and gum based surgeries
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