If you’re unsatisfied with your smile because it’s a little “gummy,” there is a procedure you might want to consider. Crown lengthening removes any excess gum tissue that is covering the teeth. This results in making the teeth look bigger and improves the look of your smile.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Not only is this procedure used for cosmetic reasons, but it has restorative effects as well. Patients who need other restorative work done will need at least 2mm of healthy tooth enamel for the dentist to work with. A situation such as having a tooth break off at the gum line may require a crown lengthening so that any restoration being fixed to the tooth, such as a crown, can be properly attached.
Procedure
Typically, a crown lengthening procedure is painless, and there is minimal discomfort during recovery. The area that is being worked on will be numbed so that no pain is felt. This can be just on one or two teeth or every tooth in the mouth. The results that you and your dentist have in mind will determine how much tissue is removed and on which teeth. As the gum tissue is being trimmed, your dentist may also make adjustments to the underlying bone so that the teeth appear more balanced and stay held in place firmly as the mouth heals.
Healing from this procedure does not take long. In fact, you should be able to return to work the day after the procedure. You will have to treat the affected areas gently for the first 24 hours after the procedure and eat softer foods for about two days after that. To ensure that the gums heal well, you should be sure to practice good oral hygiene and keep the areas clean. Your gums should be back to feeling normal within one or two weeks, and you can return to eating and drinking as before.