Crown lengthening is a surgical dental technique that consists of reshaping the gum contour to reveal a larger surface of the teeth.
It is a periodontal surgical technique performed to reconstruct a tooth that has a cavity most often under the gum.
When Is Crown Lengthening Done?
As we have progressed in the previous lines, crown lengthening often forms the previous step of a tooth’s reconstruction. The procedure involves removing some of the gum tissue (sometimes bone as well) to expose more of the crown so the decay can be treated (and a crown placed if needed). Once this is done, the dentist only needs to clean and close the wound.
In addition to teeth with caries under the gum, crown lengthening is indicated in the following cases:
-When there are endodontic perforations at the bottom of the gingival sulcus
-When the tooth or teeth show root resorption
-When the tooth or teeth are broken by part of the crown or root
-When it is necessary to replace a denture or a bridge, their edges are already under the gum
-When the gum line is irregular or very low for aesthetic reasons and the teeth look different or very small in size
How Is Crown Lengthening Made?
Crown lengthening is usually done under local anesthesia (sometimes sedation can be used if the job is great and the patient is feeling very anxious) and consists of several incisions in the tissue to separate the gum from the tooth and access the root. After the dentist considers that there is enough exposed tooth structure, the caries is repaired and a crown placed if necessary. Finally, you just need to thoroughly clean the area and stitch the gum around the tooth.
What Happens After Crown Lengthening?
The post-operative period of crown lengthening is not overly painful or uncomfortable. However, it is common to experience some inflammation and pain in the affected area in the following days.
Until the stitches are removed (about a week later), the dentist’s instructions on oral hygiene should be followed meticulously in order to prevent infection. He or she may prescribe some anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling in the gums.
