Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure. You might consider it if you’ve got a damaged or decayed tooth in desperate need of repair.
Why might I need crown lengthening treatment?
If you need a crown, but don’t have enough tooth exposed to fit it in, you’ll probably need crown lengthening treatment. This might be the case if your tooth has broken at the gum line or if you have a “gummy smile”.
Before treatment
As it is a surgical procedure, you’ll probably be referred to a periodontist (the fancy word for gum disease specialist!). They’ll examine your mouth and help you arrange a date for the procedure. You’ll also be advised to have a professional cleaning to get rid of any plaque or tartar before the main event.
The procedure
Crown lengthening is usually carried out under local anaesthetic, so there’s no need to worry about being uncomfortable. Now, this procedure can take a while, especially if you’re treating more than one tooth, but you’ll be in the best possible hands, so you can just relax. Once your gums have been prepared, your dentist will place a temporary crown, which will stay there until your gums have healed and you’re ready for a permanent one.
Aftercare
You might feel a bit of discomfort afterwards, but this should subside quickly, especially if you take painkillers. Your dentist might also give you a special mouth rinse and provide some top hygiene advice. You’ll have stitches in your gums so try not to brush near them (the rinse should help to remove bits of food). Steer clear of hard foods for a while after surgery, as eating them might be a bit painful!
