South Ogden
Crown Lengthening
Aesthetic and Functional Crown Lengthening
You do your best to take care of your teeth. You brush your teeth, floss and get regular cleanings and exams. Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your teeth can become damaged. When this happens, your teeth need to be restored, which will help to restore the appearance of the tooth as well as prevent infection. However, if you have excess gum tissue, it can prevent the restoration from being placed properly. To assist with this issue, Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics can perform a crown lengthening.
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What Causes Damage to Your Teeth?
There are several things that can cause damage to your teeth:
- Automobile accidents
- Falls
- Sports injuries
- Altercations
- Tooth decay
Any of these types of damage can lead to an infection, so restoring the tooth is imperative.
Crown Lengthening
When you need a damaged tooth restored, one of the most popular options is a dental crown. For the crown to be placed, your tooth first needs to be prepared. It also requires sufficient visible tooth on which to be placed. If your gum tissue is in the way, it can prevent the crown from fitting on properly. Alternatively, in the event of tooth decay too close to the gum line, your gums may be in the way of placing a filling.
In any of these events, a crown lengthening procedure can help. We expose more of the surface of the crown, which is hidden under gum tissue, which allows us to place the necessary restoration.
How Is Crown Lengthening Performed?
Crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia, although sedation can also be used if you are feeling anxious about the procedure. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, we start by making small incisions on the gums, which allows us to separate the tissue from the tooth and expose the damage. We will remove any necessary gum tissue (in some instances, the bone may also need to be removed) and reshape it. We finish by suturing the gum tissue back against the teeth. Once the surgery is complete, we can move ahead with performing the necessary restorations, whether it is a filling or a dental crown.
Crown Lengthening Benefits
Crown lengthening has numerous benefits:
Provides more surface area on which a dental crown can sit, making the crown more secure. Moreover, with a proper fit, the natural tooth is effectively sealed away from bacteria, which helps to prevent infections.
If you have tooth decay below the gum line, the crown lengthening allows for better access to completely clean out and fill the cavity, which prevents future issues with the tooth.
Improved periodontal health. The areas around the restoration are easier to keep clean. This improves your overall oral health and lowers your risk of developing gum disease.
Restored smile. Even a minor chip or crack to the tooth can lead to self consciousness. With the proper placement of a dental restoration, the beauty of your smile is restored, and you can smile confidently once again.
If your gums are in the way of getting the dental restorations you need, a crown lengthening procedure can help. Call Cassity & Legacy Implants and Periodontics today to schedule your consultation.
