At 24th Street Dental Biltmore, we offer a variety of cutting-edge cosmetic dental procedures designed to enhance the aesthetics of your smile. One such procedure, called crown lengthening, can greatly improve the balance and beauty of your smile, particularly if you have an excess of gum tissue that covers your teeth. This condition, often referred to as a “gummy” smile, can make your otherwise beautiful teeth appear short. The crown lengthening procedure is the perfect solution if you want to showcase your teeth properly. With years of experience, Dr. Donnelly has perfected this procedure, making it quick, easy, and virtually pain-free. Rest assured, it is completely safe. Countless patients have trusted Dr. Donnelly to perform crown lengthening, and now it’s your turn to achieve the smile of your dreams!
Crown Lengthening Procedure
Before we proceed with the crown lengthening procedure, Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, needs to assess whether you are a suitable candidate. This procedure aims to remove excess gum tissue and reveal more of the tooth. After the procedure, you can expect a gum line that appears more natural, evenly distributed, and aesthetically pleasing.
Once Dr. Donnelly has determined that an aesthetic gum lift is the appropriate procedure for you, we will schedule your appointment. In most cases, the crown lengthening procedure can be completed in a single visit. The duration of the appointment will vary depending on factors such as the number of teeth involved, the extent of bone removal, and the amount of gum tissue present. In some cases, we may lengthen the surrounding teeth as well, even if only one tooth requires correction, in order to achieve a more uniform appearance.
Prior to starting the procedure, Dr. Donnelly, at 24th Street Dental Biltmore, will apply a local anesthetic to the area to ensure you don’t feel any pain or discomfort. Subsequently, we will utilize a specialized laser to create an incision in the gum tissue, granting us access to the roots of your teeth and the underlying bone. The laser not only cuts through the tissue but also cauterizes the wounds simultaneously. This process can greatly minimize swelling, inflammation, and the time needed for recovery. Occasionally, we may also remove a small portion of the underlying bone.
To minimize the risk of infection and other post-operative complications, we will cleanse the gums with a sterile solution after removing the excess tissue. The advantage of laser treatment is that it eliminates the need for stitches. Previously, we used a scalpel to make incisions, which resulted in more bleeding, pain, and swelling. Moreover, it extended the recovery period. Nowadays, your gums should heal within approximately one to two weeks.
After your procedure, you should not experience significant pain, swelling, or bleeding. If you do have any discomfort, it can typically be relieved with over-the-counter pain medications like Advil or Tylenol. However, if your crown lengthening is performed alongside other cosmetic procedures, the healing process may take longer. In some cases, crown lengthening is just one aspect of a comprehensive treatment called a full mouth reconstruction.
A crown lengthening procedure can also be performed for restorative purposes. If a tooth has fractured just above the gumline or if a previous restoration has become dislodged, 24th Street Dental Biltmore dentist, Dr. Donnelly may suggest a crown lengthening procedure. By removing excess gum tissue, we can expose more of the tooth’s structure, providing a sufficient area for the placement of a new restoration, such as a dental crown.
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Making your initial appointment with 24th Street Dental Biltmore in Phoenix is your first step towards a healthier smile.