Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure performed to determine more of the tooth structure so that the tooth can be properly repaired. Prolonging or lengthening the crown, as the name implies, occurs when the tooth is not long enough to be maintained in restorative treatments such as veneers. This is a surgical procedure that provides restored teeth with better function and longer life.
Advantages
Crown lengthening, unlike many cosmetic dental treatments, only needs to be done once, after which there is no need for any manipulation or repetition of the same procedure. After this treatment, in addition to making the smile more symmetrical and wider, the health of the teeth also improves. The risk of tooth decay decreases after the crown is raised, because the more exposed the tooth is, the greater the impact of brushing and flossing. This surgery is short and usually completes in 30 to 60 minutes.
Repair
Tooth fracture: The tooth sometimes breaks along or below the gum line. If the tooth needs a large filling, the crown should be raised to reveal more of the tooth structure.
Insufficient tooth structure: Sometimes tooth decay and perforation are so extensive that they cannot be repaired even by denervation. In this case, the veneer is the best way to repair the tooth and restore the function of the decayed tooth. Caries sometimes extend below the gum line, so a simple veneer may not be enough to preserve it. After tooth decay, not enough of the tooth structure may remain to be veneered. Improper dental veneers cause chronic irritation and inflammation.
Increasing the length of the tooth crown is therefore the best solution that makes it possible to repair a larger part of the tooth in a proper way. The veneer that is placed on the tooth after increasing the length of the crown is stronger and more durable.
Cosmetic Surgery
Sometimes the teeth look short, but they are actually tall and only cover a large amount of the gums. Increasing the length of the crown corrects cosmetic problems such as a gingival smile. As the tooth grows taller, the smile becomes more beautiful. In addition, after increasing the length of the tooth crown, the fit between the width and the length of the tooth also improves. Increasing the length of the tooth crown can be done along with other cosmetic treatments or alone to correct the smile pattern.
Increasing the length of the tooth crown is not suitable for everyone. It is not necessary to increase the length of the crown for patients who need a veneer. But if the crack or tooth decay hole is deep enough that it can be easily veneered, the durability and strength of the veneer will increase as the crown length of the tooth increases. In addition, by lifting the crown, it is easier to clean the teeth and it can be brushed and flossed well to maximize the life of the new veneer.
Treatment steps
The dentist performs this surgery in the office by injecting a local anesthetic. Of course, the patient receives sedation if necessary so that there is no fear or anxiety during treatment.
After the treatment area is anesthetized, the dentist begins to measure and shape the extra gum tissue and bone. The dentist first makes incisions in the tissue and removes the gums from the tooth. In most cases, a small amount of gum tissue is also needed.
Once a sufficient part of the tooth structure has been identified, the dentist rinses the area well with saline solution and completes the procedure by suturing the gums. Surgical wounds are sometimes closed with a special dressing. After this simple surgery, a larger part of the natural structure of the tooth is identified and a better foundation is obtained for a more efficient and durable veneer. After lifting the crown, the veneer is placed on it. Since the bony part of the tooth has been manipulated and even removed, the dentist will take all precautions so that the patient is completely comfortable. This treatment takes about one to two hours.
Laser crown lengthening
Increasing the length of the tooth crown can be done in a simpler method called electrosurgery. In this treatment, a laser device is used to measure the gums and mark the teeth, but the bone is not manipulated. Electrosurgery is usually performed only for minor cases and is not suitable for deep fillings or fractures.
The period of recovery
The dentist prescribes medication to manage the pain or discomfort, provides the patient with a special mouthwash, and provides the necessary care recommendations for the recovery period. Oral hygiene should be observed as usual; Of course, it is better not to irritate the gum area for a few weeks.
The dentist asks the patient to come in a week later to have the stitches removed. After the stitches are removed, it takes some time for the gums to heal, after which the dentist completes the restoration or cosmetic treatment of the tooth.
