So, let’s say one of your teeth has a dental crown. Maybe you received it as part of a cosmetic procedure or following a filling. However, your dentist has recently said they need to “lengthen” your restoration for future treatment. Thus you may be asking yourself, “Why would I need crown lengthening?” Well, it turns out there are various reasons for the surgery. Read on to learn more about what crown lengthening is and why you might need it.
What’s Crown Lengthening?
As you (probably) know, crowns are ceramic “caps” that fit over a natural tooth’s surface. Dentists often use them to restore cracked, broken, or misshapen teeth. On the other hand, crowns are also used to complete dental procedures like bridges, root canals, and dental implants. Whatever the context, these caps must always firmly affix to an existing tooth.
Crown lengthening, then, is a procedure that exposes more of a tooth’s surface for restoration. It works by recontouring gum tissue (and sometimes bone) around the pearly white.
Reasons You Might Need Crown Lengthening
There are two main reasons why a patient could need crown lengthening. The first is that the treatment is necessary for your dentist to repair a tooth. The second is that the lengthening will improve your smile’s looks.
To Repair Your Teeth
Teeth sometimes get damaged beneath the gumline from fractures, cavities, or something else. When that happens, you’ll need crown lengthening to move gum tissue to expose the damaged area. Otherwise, your tooth can’t receive the treatment it needs.
Sometimes, though, the issue is that a tooth’s structure is weak. The lengthening procedure can then strengthen it enough to handle a restoration.
To Fix Your “Gummy Smile”
Some patients have what is commonly called a “gummy smile.” This condition happens when your gums cover too much of your teeth and make them look small. Many people see these “gummy” smiles as unsightly.
Well, crown lengthening can remove some excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth. As a result, it would make your smile look bigger, brighter, and more confident.
Keep in mind, though, that cosmetic treatments are usually elective. In this scenario, you’d likely need to ask your dentist for lengthening.
Your dentist wouldn’t bring up crown lengthening if it weren’t helpful to you. That said, feel free to talk with them about how it could benefit your smile.
About the Practice
Tylan Creek Family Dentistry is based in Powdersville, SC. As led by their highly-talented team of dentists, the practice aims to exceed all patient expectations. Its staff thus provides excellent preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry, including ClearCorrect aligner trays. The team is also a certified provider of CEREC same-day crowns. For more information or to book an appointment, visit their website or call by phone at (864)-603-2200.