We often meet with patients who are unhappy with their smiles. Their teeth may be too small, misshaped, or have chips or cracks that a skilled dentist can address. If you are interested in a crown lengthening treatment, please do not wait to reach out to our office to schedule your free consultation with our Beverly Hills dentist, Dr. Farnoosh. You can achieve a better smile in one outpatient procedure. Let us help you achieve your smile goals.
What is a Crown Lengthening Treatment?
There are two ways to lengthen your crowns (your teeth). You can either have a gum contouring treatment or have your teeth lengthened with dental crowns.
A gum contouring treatment involves scaling back your gumline to show off more of your teeth. This standard procedure can be done within around an hour.
Gum contouring is primarily a cosmetic treatment but can also help manage gum disease for patients with difficulty keeping their excessive gum tissue clean.
Dental crowns can increase the size and length of your teeth to improve their appearance or fix existing damage. They are typically made from porcelain due to their durability and tooth-like appearance.
Not only do crowns improve your smile’s aesthetic, but they can also protect your teeth from decay.
Prepping for the Procedure
When you are preparing for your crown lengthening treatment, you should discuss your medical history with your dentist. Tell them about any conditions you have and the medications you take. Before your procedure, your dentist may advise you to stop taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.
Your dentist will prepare you for the treatment by taking x-rays of your teeth and possibly fitting you with a temporary crown to make it easier to have your permanent crown fitted.
What to Expect for the Crown Lengthening Treatment
You will undergo your treatment as an outpatient procedure. After your treatment, you may go home unless you are sedated.
Dental sedation may be used for this treatment. Sedation can be administered orally, through an IV, or by breathing in nitrous oxide (better known as laughing gas). You may need to arrange a ride home if you are sedated for your procedure.
Your periodontist will perform the treatment by removing your gum tissue from your teeth to expose more of your crowns. Sutures will be placed to hold the gums together, and you may also receive bandaging to protect the area.
Tips for Recovery
Immediately following your procedure, you should avoid strenuous activity for about three days as this can cause bleeding and delay healing.
Your dentist may prescribe you painkillers to manage the pain during your recovery period, which can take up to three months. Over-the-counter pain killers often work just fine as well. You can also use an ice pack against your face to reduce pain and swelling.
You will want to avoid foods that are spicy, hot, sticky, acidic, or hard to chew. Stick to soft foods until you are healed enough to tolerate more textures and temperatures.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in a crown lengthening treatment for dental or aesthetic purposes. Our Beverly Hills dentist is here to help you devise a treatment plan that will help you achieve your desired results. Give our office a call today to get your free consultation scheduled. A better smile awaits!
