Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure used to expose more of a tooth’s structure by reshaping the gum tissue and sometimes the underlying bone. At Thomson Family Dental, we offer crown lengthening to help improve the appearance of your smile, provide better access for dental restorations, and enhance your overall oral health.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening involves the removal of gum tissue (and sometimes bone) to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This procedure is often used for both functional and cosmetic reasons, such as preparing a tooth for a crown, correcting a “gummy” smile, or improving gum health by reducing pocket depth.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
- Improved Aesthetics: By reshaping the gum line, crown lengthening can enhance the appearance of your smile, especially if you have a “gummy” smile.
- Better Access for Restorations: Exposing more of the tooth structure allows for a better fit and more secure placement of crowns, bridges, or fillings.
- Enhanced Gum Health: Reducing the depth of gum pockets makes it easier to clean around the teeth and helps prevent gum disease.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
Consultation and Planning
We begin with a detailed consultation to assess your needs and determine if crown lengthening is the right option. This may involve X-rays to evaluate the underlying bone structure.
Surgical Procedure
During the procedure, we will carefully reshape the gum tissue and, if necessary, remove a small amount of bone to expose more of the tooth. The area is then cleaned and sutured for optimal healing.
Post-Operative Care and Recovery
After the surgery, we’ll provide you with specific aftercare instructions to promote healing and minimize discomfort. Follow-up visits will be scheduled to monitor your recovery.
Why Choose Thomson Family Dental for Crown Lengthening?
- Experienced Team: Our dentists have extensive experience in performing crown lengthening with precision and care.
- Advanced Techniques: We use the latest surgical techniques to ensure optimal results and a smooth recovery.
- Comprehensive Care: From consultation to follow-up, we provide full support to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening
Is crown lengthening painful?
The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you should not feel pain during the surgery. Some post-operative discomfort is normal and can be managed with pain relievers and following aftercare instructions.
How long does it take to recover from crown lengthening?
Initial healing typically takes a week or two, but complete healing of the gum tissue may take several months. We’ll provide detailed instructions to help you care for your gums during this time.
Will crown lengthening change the appearance of my smile?
Yes, crown lengthening can significantly improve the appearance of your smile, especially if you have excessive gum tissue or an uneven gum line.
Serving Thomson and Surrounding Areas
Thomson Family Dental offers expert crown lengthening services to patients from Thomson and nearby areas, including Warrenton, Wrens, Washington, and Appling.
Contact Us to Learn More About Crown Lengthening
Improve your smile and oral health with crown lengthening at Thomson Family Dental. Contact us at (706) 595-5152 to schedule a consultation. Our office is conveniently located at 540 West Hill Street, Thomson, Georgia 30824.