What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart carefully recontouring the gum tissue and/or bone around a decaying or severely damaged tooth. This process exposes a greater portion of a tooth’s surface, making it easier to apply an oral prosthetic like a crown or bridge.
Sometimes, Dr. Bogart and Dr. Jacobs recommend crown lengthening to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. This process follows the same treatment steps of traditional crown lengthening, but instead of shaving down your bone to expose your tooth’s surface, they remove excess gum tissue, which makes your teeth appear whiter and longer.
How do I prepare for a crown lengthening procedure?
Before Dr. Bogart or Dr. Jacobs perform a crown lengthening procedure, they conduct a thorough oral exam, review your oral and general health history, and ask you questions about your treatment goals. They also take a series of digital X-rays to get a closer look at your jawbones and tooth roots.
During your appointment, make sure to let Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart know about any prescription medications, vitamins, or nutritional supplements you’re taking. In some cases, you may need to stop the use of certain medications before surgery.
What happens during a crown lengthening procedure?
Dr. Jacobs and Dr. Bogart perform crown lengthening onsite as an outpatient procedure. This means you can return home on the same day of your operation.
Prior to treatment, Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums and tooth roots. Once the anesthesia sets in, your provider carefully separates your gum tissue from your teeth, exposing the roots and bone.
Next, they carefully recontour any excess gum tissue and shape your bone as needed. Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart then cleans the surgical site and stitches your gums back together. On occasion, a surgical dressing is placed over the surgical site to prevent food from getting wedged into the treated area.
What is the recovery process like after crown lengthening?
After your crown lengthening procedure, as the anesthesia wears off, it’s normal to experience minor pain, swelling, and general discomfort. Dr. Jacobs or Dr. Bogart provides a list of recovery instructions and will make recommendations for pain management. Follow their instructions closely and take your medications as prescribed.
You should also avoid strenuous activity for at least three to four days. Leave your dressings in place for at least a week and only brush the untreated teeth. Your mouth and gums will start healing almost immediately.
To schedule a crown lengthening consultation at the office of Dr. James Jacobs & Dr. Tara Bogart, call to speak with a friendly team member or book an appointment online today.
