Enhance Your Smile with Crown Lengthening and Gum Contouring

At Narre Warren Family Dental Group, we believe that a healthy smile is not just about beautiful teeth, but also about proper function and aesthetics. One procedure that can enhance both the appearance and function of your teeth is Crown Lengthening. Whether you're looking to improve your smile or need a more functional base for a restoration, this procedure can make a significant difference.

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure used to expose more of a tooth’s structure, either for cosmetic reasons or to prepare a tooth for further restorative work. Whether you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile or need a more functional base for a crown or filling, crown lengthening can provide significant benefits. This procedure can give you a healthier smile and restore tooth function effectively.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure in which the gum tissue, and sometimes the bone, around a tooth are reshaped to expose more of the tooth’s crown (the visible part of the tooth).

Crown lengthening can make a tooth more accessible for restorative procedures such as placing a crown. It also improves the appearance of the gums for a more balanced and confident smile.

Why is Crown Lengthening Performed?

There are several reasons why crown lengthening may be necessary:

Restorative Reasons- To expose more tooth structure when there is insufficient tooth length for a crown or filling.
Cosmetic Reasons (Gummy Smile) - To treat a "gummy smile," where excessive gum tissue shows when you smile.
To Treat Decay Below the Gum Line - If decay extends beneath the gum line and into the tooth structure, crown lengthening can provide access for proper restoration.

Crown lengthening may be recommended to restore a tooth with significant decay below the gum line, for cosmetic enhancement to reduce a gummy smile, or to access a deep cavity for treatment.

How Does the Crown Lengthening Procedure Work?

Initial Consultation - The dentist will examine the tooth, review X-rays, and discuss your cosmetic or restorative goals to determine if crown lengthening is suitable for you.
Preparation - Local anaesthesia will be administered to ensure that the procedure is comfortable.
Procedure -
- The dentist or periodontist carefully removes excess gum tissue around the tooth.
- If necessary, a small amount of bone may also be removed to expose more of the tooth's crown.
Recovery - After the procedure, the gums will heal, and specific care instructions will be provided to avoid infection and ensure proper healing.

The procedure involves numbing the area, removing excess gum tissue, and possibly bone, to expose more of the tooth. Most patients experience minimal discomfort and can resume normal activities in a few days.

Types of Crown Lengthening

Aesthetic Crown Lengthening: - Aimed at improving the appearance of the gums, particularly for patients with a "gummy smile" who want a more balanced gum-to-tooth ratio.
Functional Crown Lengthening: - Done when there is insufficient tooth structure above the gum line for a restoration, like a crown, requiring more tooth exposure.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening

Improved Function - It provides enough exposed tooth structure for proper placement of a crown or other restorations.
Enhanced Smile Appearance - It creates a more harmonious smile by revealing more of the teeth, especially for those with excessive gum tissue.
Better Oral Health - It can address infections or decayed tissue beneath the gum line, improving overall oral health.

Crown lengthening helps ensure the tooth is properly restored if you need a crown, gives you a more proportional and balanced smile, and can improve your overall dental health by eliminating infections or decay.

Recovery and Aftercare

Post-Operative Care - After the procedure, you may be prescribed pain medication to manage any discomfort. Soft foods are recommended for the first few days.
Healing Time - Healing time typically takes a few weeks, but this can vary based on the extent of the procedure.
Follow-Up Appointments - A follow-up visit will be scheduled to monitor the healing process and ensure the gums have reattached properly.

Patients may experience mild discomfort after crown lengthening, but it is manageable with over-the-counter pain medication. Full healing typically occurs within a few weeks, and a follow-up visit ensures the process is going smoothly.

When Should You Consider Crown Lengthening?

You have a gummy smile - and want to reveal more of your teeth.
You need a dental restoration - such as a crown, but there is not enough exposed tooth structure.
There is decay or damage - below the gum line that needs to be addressed.

Risks and Considerations

You have a gummy smile - and want to reveal more of your teeth.
You need a dental restoration - such as a crown, but there is not enough exposed tooth structure.
There is decay or damage - below the gum line that needs to be addressed.

Crown lengthening is generally safe, but patients should follow aftercare instructions to avoid infection, manage sensitivity, and ensure the right amount of gum tissue is removed.

Cost of Crown Lengthening

The cost of crown lengthening can vary depending on the complexity of the procedure, including whether bone removal is necessary. Your insurance may cover the procedure, depending on your policy.

Why Choose Us for Your Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening can be a transformative procedure that improves both the function and appearance of your teeth. Whether you need to restore a damaged tooth or enhance your smile, this procedure provides lasting results.

If you're considering crown lengthening, schedule a consultation at Narre Warren Family Dental Group to determine if it's the right option for you, call us today (03) 8905 1904 or book online.