The Pros and Cons of Dental Crown Lengthening

Dental crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth structure by removing excess gum tissue and sometimes bone. It is often done to improve the appearance of a gummy smile, or to prepare the tooth for a crown or other restoration.

Dental crown lengthening can have some pros and cons that you need to consider before deciding to undergo this treatment. In this article, we will explain what dental crown lengthening is, how it is done, and what are the benefits and drawbacks of this procedure. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about dental crown lengthening and give you some tips on how to care for your teeth after the surgery.

By reading this article, you will learn:

• What is dental crown lengthening and why it is done
• How to prepare for dental crown lengthening and what to expect during and after the surgery
• The pros and cons of dental crown lengthening for your oral health and aesthetics
• The do’s and don’ts of dental crown lengthening and how to prevent complications
• The frequently asked questions about dental crown lengthening and their answers

What is Dental Crown Lengthening and Why It Is Done

Dental crown lengthening is a type of periodontal surgery that involves reshaping the gum tissue and bone around one or more teeth to expose more of the tooth structure. This can be done for various reasons, such as:

• To improve the appearance of a gummy smile, which is when the gums cover too much of the teeth and make them look short or uneven
• To prepare the tooth for a crown or other restoration, which requires a certain amount of tooth structure above the gum line to support it
• To treat tooth decay or fracture that extends below the gum line, which makes it difficult to access and restore
• To correct a failed restoration that impinges on the gums or causes inflammation or infection

Dental crown lengthening can be done on one tooth or several teeth, depending on the situation and the desired outcome. The procedure can be performed by a general dentist, a periodontist (a gum specialist), or an oral surgeon.

How to Prepare for Dental Crown Lengthening and What to Expect During and After the Surgery

Before undergoing dental crown lengthening, you will need to have a thorough dental examination and consultation with your dentist or periodontist. They will evaluate your oral health, take X-rays of your teeth and jaw, and discuss your goals and expectations. They will also explain the procedure in detail, including the risks, benefits, alternatives, and costs. You will need to inform them of any medical conditions or medications that you have, as they may affect your surgery or recovery.

Depending on the extent and complexity of your surgery, you may receive local anesthesia (to numb the area), sedation (to relax you), or general anesthesia (to put you to sleep). The surgery usually takes 30 minutes to an hour per tooth, but it may take longer if multiple teeth are involved.

During the surgery, your dentist or periodontist will make small incisions in your gums to pull them away from your teeth. They will then remove any excess gum tissue and bone that covers your teeth using special instruments. They will also smooth and contour the remaining gum tissue and bone to create a natural-looking shape. They will then rinse the area with saline solution and stitch your gums back together. They may also place a dressing or bandage over the surgical site to protect it.

After the surgery, you will need some time to recover and heal. You may experience some pain, swelling, bleeding, or bruising in your gums for a few days. Your dentist or periodontist will prescribe you painkillers and antibiotics to help you manage these symptoms. They will also give you specific instructions on how to care for your mouth, such as:

• Avoid eating hard, sticky, or spicy foods for a few days
• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water or a prescribed mouthwash several times a day
• Brush your teeth gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, avoiding the surgical area
• Floss your teeth carefully with a floss threader or a water flosser
• Apply ice packs or cold compresses to your face to reduce swelling
• Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, or using straws for at least a week

You will need to visit your dentist or periodontist for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and remove any stitches or dressing. You may also need to wait for several weeks or months before you can have your final restoration placed on your teeth. This is because your gums need time to heal and settle into their new position.

The Pros and Cons of Dental Crown Lengthening for Your Oral Health and Aesthetics

Dental crown lengthening can have some advantages and disadvantages that you need to weigh before deciding to have this procedure. Here are some of the pros and cons of dental crown lengthening for your oral health and aesthetics:

Pros

• Dental crown lengthening can improve the appearance of your smile by making your teeth look longer, more symmetrical, and more proportionate to your gums and lips
• Dental crown lengthening can improve the function and durability of your teeth by providing more support and stability for your crowns or other restorations
• Dental crown lengthening can improve the health of your teeth and gums by removing any decay or infection that is hidden below the gum line
• Dental crown lengthening can prevent future problems with your teeth and gums by creating a proper space between them, known as the biological width, which allows for adequate cleaning and protection

Cons

• Dental crown lengthening is an invasive and irreversible procedure that involves cutting and reshaping your gum tissue and bone, which can cause pain, bleeding, swelling, or infection
• Dental crown lengthening can be expensive and time-consuming, as it may require multiple visits to the dentist or periodontist, as well as additional procedures such as X-rays, impressions, temporary crowns, or final restorations
• Dental crown lengthening can alter the sensitivity and appearance of your teeth, as they may become more exposed to hot, cold, or acidic foods and drinks, or appear darker or yellower than before
• Dental crown lengthening can affect the alignment and bite of your teeth, as they may shift or move after the surgery, requiring orthodontic treatment to correct them

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dental Crown Lengthening and How to Prevent Complications

Dental crown lengthening can be a safe and effective procedure if you follow some do’s and don’ts before, during, and after the surgery. Here are some tips on how to prevent complications and ensure a successful outcome:

Do’s

• Do consult with your dentist or periodontist about your goals and expectations, and ask them any questions or concerns that you have about the procedure
• Do follow their instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, such as stopping any medications that may interfere with your healing or blood clotting
• Do arrange for someone to drive you home after the surgery, especially if you receive sedation or general anesthesia
• Do follow their instructions on how to care for your mouth after the surgery, such as taking your medications, rinsing your mouth, brushing your teeth, etc.
• Do visit them for regular check-ups and cleanings to monitor your healing progress and prevent any infections or complications

Don’ts

• Don’t undergo dental crown lengthening if you have any medical conditions or allergies that may affect your surgery or recovery, such as diabetes, heart disease, bleeding disorders, etc.
• Don’t eat or drink anything for at least six hours before the surgery, unless instructed otherwise by your dentist or periodontist
• Don’t touch or disturb the surgical area with your tongue, fingers, or any objects, as this may cause bleeding or infection
• Don’t eat any hard, sticky, or spicy foods for a few days after the surgery, as this may irritate or damage your gums
• Don’t smoke, drink alcohol, or use straws for at least a week after the surgery, as this may delay your healing or cause dry socket

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Crown Lengthening and Their Answers

Here are some of the most common questions and answers about dental crown lengthening that you may find helpful.

Q: How long does dental crown lengthening take?

A: The duration of dental crown lengthening depends on several factors, such as the number of teeth involved, the amount of gum tissue and bone removed, the type of anesthesia used, etc. Generally speaking, the surgery takes 30 minutes to an hour per tooth.

Q: How much does dental crown lengthening cost?

A: The cost of dental crown lengthening varies depending on several factors, such as the location of the dentist or periodontist, the complexity of the surgery, the type of anesthesia used, etc. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,000 to $4,000 per tooth.

Q: Is dental crown lengthening painful?

A: Dental crown lengthening is not painful during the surgery because you will receive local anesthesia (to numb the area), sedation (to relax you), or general anesthesia (to put you to sleep). However, you may experience some pain after the surgery when the anesthesia wears off. Your dentist or periodontist will prescribe you painkillers to help you manage this pain.

Q: How long does it take to heal from dental crown lengthening?

A: The healing time from dental crown lengthening depends on several factors, such as how well you follow the postoperative care instructions, how fast your body heals itself, etc. Generally speaking, the healing time from dental crown lengthening ranges from a few days to a few weeks. You will need to visit your dentist or periodontist for follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress and remove any stitches or dressing. You may also need to wait for several weeks or months before you can have your final restoration placed on your teeth. This is because your gums need time to heal and settle into their new position.

Dental crown lengthening can be a beneficial and effective procedure for improving your oral health and aesthetics. It can help you achieve a more balanced and attractive smile, as well as provide more support and stability for your crowns or other restorations. However, dental crown lengthening also has some drawbacks and risks that you need to consider before deciding to undergo this treatment. It can be invasive and irreversible, as well as expensive and time-consuming. It can also cause some discomfort and complications, such as pain, bleeding, infection, sensitivity, or misalignment.

Therefore, you should consult with your dentist or periodontist about your goals and expectations, and weigh the pros and cons of dental crown lengthening carefully. You should also follow their instructions on how to prepare for the surgery and how to care for your mouth after the surgery. By doing so, you can ensure a successful outcome and prevent any problems or complications.

We hope this article has helped you learn more about dental crown lengthening and what it entails. If you have any questions or feedback about this article, please feel free to leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you and help you out. Thank you for reading and have a great day!