Using reasonable and rational methods to preserve your natural teeth has been a fundamental ideal in dentistry for hundreds of years. In other words, in order to save your teeth, your dentist may need to recommend a combination of procedures to achieve the best result. As dental technology progresses, these procedures have become more streamlined and more predictable.
When the gum tissue and bone that surrounds the teeth are anticipated to compromise the success of a filling or a crown, a surgical procedure known as crown lengthening may be recommended.
When the gum tissue and bone that surrounds the teeth are anticipated to compromise the success of a filling or a crown, a surgical procedure known as crown lengthening may be recommended. For a successful and natural-looking dental restoration, a certain amount of tooth structure must be accessible above the gumline. Dr. Beth Tomlin, your periodontist serving Dallas TX 75205, has the expertise to recontour the gum tissue and underlying bone in order to expose the appropriate amount of healthy tooth structure.
Although crown lengthening is a surgical procedure, your periodontist can typically perform the procedure in the dental office with the use of topical and local anesthesia. The procedure generally involves the gum tissue and underlying bone surrounding one or more teeth. Once the crown lengthening is complete, your periodontist will review the appropriate homecare instructions and the estimated healing time.
Crown lengthening may be recommended for a variety of circumstances:
- To prepare a tooth to be fitted for a crown, the gum tissue may need to be recontoured in order to provide the necessary space between the bone, gum tissue, and the new crown.
- To allow access to restore a tooth that has been worn, damaged, or decayed to a level that is at or below the gumline, crown lengthening may be indicated.
- To improve the esthetic appearance of a “gummy smile”, crown lengthening may be an option for revealing more of your own tooth structure.
Your dentist is dedicating to preserving your natural smile. Even as the teeth are restored, the goal is to establish a stable foundation for your dentistry and to provide you with the very best chances for success.
If your dentist has recommended crown lengthening as a part of your treatment plan, call Park Cities Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at 214-949-1836 for your appointment today.