Protect Your Smile With Dr. Thomas
Occasionally, tooth damage and decay can reach below the gums. This can lead to a need for crown lengthening. Fortunately, Dr. Thomas of Western Dental Care has the experience and expertise to make sure you have complete knowledge and comfort to have your teeth treated.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure that contours the gums to allow access to deeper parts of the tooth. When decay occurs below the gum line, it may be necessary to remove a small amount of bone and gum tissue. Your dentist may ask for this procedure before he or she makes a new crown for your tooth.
When Is Crown Lengthening Necessary?
Crown Lengthening procedures are done to help restore teeth and, in some cases, improve the aesthetics of your gum line. General dentists often refer for crown lengthening procedures before restoration of broken or severely decayed teeth. This procedure adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth so it can be restored.
Sometimes crown lengthening is done to improve a “gummy” smile because the teeth appear short. The teeth may be the proper length but excess gum tissue may be covering these teeth. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Total recovery time is usually 4-6 weeks but can take up to three months, but you will be able to resume normal gum function well before that. Avoid hot foods during the first 24 hours, as there may be some sensitivity following the procedure.
Every insurance policy is different and willing to cover different procedures. During your initial consultation, Dr. Thomas will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of your insurance coverage and any out-of-pocket costs.
For the first few days, you may experience some temperature sensitivity. This is due to more of your tooth being exposed to air and foods it wasn’t before. This sensitivity should subside over time.
You may also feel some mild pain, but this can be alleviated with over-the-counter painkillers. If over-the-counter medications do not get rid of your pain, contact your dentist at (518) 456-8040.
Give Your Smile A Lift
Whether it’s due to tooth damage or cosmetic issues, crown lengthening is a simple, minimally invasive procedure that can solve several dental problems. We proudly serve New York patients in the Albany, Schenectady, and Saratoga Springs areas with the highest quality dental care. To schedule an appointment, call (518) 456-8040 or submit a convenient online form. We look forward to helping you achieve a healthy, beautiful smile!