Crown lengthening surgery is a dental procedure that can significantly improve the health and appearance of your teeth. Excess gum tissue is removed from the mouth during the procedure, exposing more of the tooth’s surface area. While many individuals assume that the procedure is complex and invasive, this is typically not the case, and many patients fully recover from the surgery within a matter of days.
If you are considering crown-lengthening surgery, it is essential to entrust your health to a trusted oral surgeon. At Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group, our talented oral and myofascial surgeons have extensive experience performing crown lengthening procedures and helping our patients feel more confident in their beautiful smiles. When you schedule an appointment with us, we will personalize our care to your unique needs as we work to address your concerns and prioritize your health and comfort.
Do I Need Crown Lengthening Surgery?
While many people seek crown lengthening surgery for cosmetic reasons, such as correcting a “gummy” smile, the procedure may also be medically necessary. A few reasons your surgeon may recommend crown lengthening include:
- If you have insufficient tooth surface area to hold a crown in place
- If you have broken teeth or teeth affected by decay that are too small and damaged to accommodate a crown
- Correcting naturally short teeth
- Preventing decay by allowing more room for brushing and flossing
- Increasing tooth surface area to accommodate porcelain veneers
If your dentist has recommended a crown lengthening procedure, there is no reason to be nervous. This straightforward and minimally-invasive oral surgery can significantly improve your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
What to Expect During a Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, meaning patients can return home the same day the surgery is performed. After the area is numbed with a local anesthetic, your surgeon will make small incisions along the gumline to pull the tissue away, exposing more of the tooth. While removing gum tissue is often all that is required, sometimes excess bone will also need to be removed if it is discovered below the gum line.
After the procedure is complete, the area will be rinsed with a saline solution and sutured closed. The sutures typically remain in place for three days. While the recovery process is often quick, there are several steps you can take to reduce your pain levels and ensure your mouth heals properly, including:
- Taking over-the-counter pain medications
- Using an ice pack to reduce swelling
- Avoiding hot and cold foods for at least 24 hours
- Brushing and flossing carefully to prevent agitating the healing incisions
Following your procedure, your surgeon will provide you with a detailed recovery plan to expedite your healing and protect your safety. Abiding by these instructions is essential to ensure your recovery as painlessly as possible from your procedure.
Schedule an Appointment with a Skilled Oral Surgeon at Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group
If your doctor has recommended crown lengthening surgery to address your unique needs, a skilled oral surgeon from Elizabeth Oral Surgery Group is ready to get you the smile you deserve. Our oral and myofascial surgeons employ the latest technologies to perform painless and minimally invasive procedures to address various dental conditions.
We take a patient-first approach to oral surgery and will work tirelessly to ensure your comfort and safety needs are met during every step of your treatment plan. To schedule an appointment and learn more about how we can help you, call (908) 663-5309 or complete our contact form today.
