Crown Lengthening
Redmond, OR
 Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that is performed for both restorative and cosmetic reasons. During the procedure, Dr. Primley removes a portion of gum tissue, bone, or both to expose more of the tooth.
Crown lengthening is used to help Caldera Dental Group patients receive a dental crown. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that helps repair a tooth with decay or structural damage. To receive a crown, there must be an adequate amount of healthy tooth enamel. For patients with small teeth, crown lengthening can be used to properly accommodate a prosthetic crown. Crown lengthening is notably effective if a tooth has been broken off at the gumline.
It can also be an elective procedure. Some patients may have a large amount of gum tissue surrounding their upper teeth. This is often referred to as a "gummy smile." With crown lengthening, patients can reduce their gum tissue, and improve the aesthetics of their smile!
Crown Lengthening Procedure
During a consultation visit, Dr. Primley will review your medical history, and make sure you are a suitable candidate for crown lengthening. Before surgery, you may need to receive a professional cleaning. If the procedure is restorative, patients will receive a temporary dental crown. This not only protects the tooth, but it also allows Dr. Primley to determine how much tissue or bone to remove.
During the surgery, we will make several cuts to pull the tissue away from the teeth. Even if only one tooth needs treatment, the procedure usually involves your neighboring teeth. This will help the tissue grow back properly. In most cases, both tissue and bone will be removed. The amount of time it takes to complete the surgery depends on the amount of tissue, bone, and teeth involved. Once the surgery is complete, we will sterilize and suture the area.
After the procedure, you will be asked to apply a cold compress to your face to reduce swelling. Dr. Primley will prescribe pain medication and an antibacterial mouth rinse. You will be given specific care instructions to avoid complications. Most patients can brush near the stitches but should avoid the gums. You may also be asked to follow a soft foods diet for a while.
The entire healing process typically takes about three months. It is important to wait until you are completely healed, as gum tissue tends to shrink during the process. Once the process is complete, we can place your final crown, and give you a beautiful new tooth!
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening has several benefits:
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The procedure can be completed in one appointment.
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Surgery is completed in 30 minutes to an hour.
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You will have a wider, more symmetrical smile.
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There will be an improvement in your oral and overall health.
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If the procedure is purely cosmetic, there is no need for touch-ups. |
If you are embarrassed that your smile appears gummy, crown lengthening can redefine your appearance and improve your self-esteem.
Learn More About Crown Lengthening
If you are interested in learning more about crown lengthening, call (541) 604-2900, and schedule a consultation! |
