Crown lengthening

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Crown lengthening is a dental procedure performed by a dentist or a periodontist to expose a greater amount of tooth structure for the purpose of subsequently restoring the tooth prosthetically. This procedure is often necessary when a tooth needs a dental crown or other restoration, but there is not enough tooth structure visible above the gum line to support the restoration.

Procedure

Crown lengthening involves the removal of gum tissue, bone, or both to expose more of a tooth's structure. The procedure can be performed on a single tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire gum line. The steps typically include:

1. **Local Anesthesia**: The area around the tooth is numbed with a local anesthetic.
2. **Incision**: The gum tissue is cut and pulled away from the teeth to expose the roots and surrounding bone.
3. **Reshaping**: The dentist or periodontist reshapes the bone and gum tissue to expose more of the tooth.
4. **Sutures**: The gum tissue is then sutured back into place.
5. **Healing**: The area is allowed to heal, which can take several weeks.

Indications

Crown lengthening is indicated in several situations, including:

• **Restorative Needs**: When there is insufficient tooth structure to support a dental crown or other restoration.
• **Aesthetic Concerns**: To correct a "gummy smile" where excessive gum tissue is visible when smiling.
• **Subgingival Caries**: To access and treat decay that extends below the gum line.
• **Fractured Teeth**: To expose more of a tooth that has fractured below the gum line.

Post-Operative Care

After the procedure, patients may experience some discomfort and swelling. Post-operative care includes:

• **Pain Management**: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications.
• **Oral Hygiene**: Gentle brushing and rinsing with an antimicrobial mouthwash.
• **Diet**: Soft foods and avoiding hot or spicy foods.
• **Follow-Up Visits**: Regular check-ups to monitor healing and remove sutures if necessary.

Complications

Potential complications of crown lengthening include:

• **Infection**: Risk of infection at the surgical site.
• **Sensitivity**: Increased tooth sensitivity due to exposed roots.
• **Gum Recession**: Unintended recession of the gum tissue.
• **Aesthetic Issues**: Changes in the appearance of the gum line.

Related Procedures

• Gingivectomy
• Gingivoplasty
• Osseous surgery
• Dental crown
• Periodontal surgery

See Also

• Periodontics
• Restorative dentistry
• Dental surgery
• Tooth anatomy