Crown Lengthening: Everything You Need to Know
Sometimes, your dentist may suggest crown lengthening when you visit for cavity filling or crown application. Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure, and there is a lot to know about it. In this blog, we will discuss it in detail, hoping the information will help you make an informed decision.
What is Crown Lengthening?
It is a surgical procedure for reshaping the base of the gums of an affected tooth to expose the tooth’s surface more. Sometimes, the procedure is used to adjust the bone level of the affected tooth to make sure that the height/size of the tooth is enough to support a restoration such as a crown.
Why Should I Use Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is used for several purposes. Here are some of the reasons you might want to consider it:
To Save a Tooth
If you accidentally break your natural tooth, there are various ways the dentist can save it. Sometimes the dentist may recommend crown lengthening. This is especially if you have excess gum tissue around the affected tooth. The dentist will need to remove the excess gum tissue to install the dental crown and ensure that it looks as natural as possible.
To Improve Your Smile
If you have an inconsistent gum line, the dentist may recommend a multi-tooth crown lengthening. The sauk rapids dentist will remove the excess gum tissues on various parts to expose your pearly white teeth and make sure the gum line looks as natural as possible. We are here for you if you are looking for crown lengthening near you in St. Cloud, MN.
Reduce Risk of Cavities
Dental decay is the most common dental problem, and you will be at higher risk if you have “high” gums. High gums cover up some areas of your tooth, making it quite hard to clean the area while brushing. Bacteria take advantage of the situation, harboring in the areas and increasing the risk of cavities.
Support a Crown
For a crown, implant, or bridge to be installed properly, the gum line must be on a proper level. Furthermore, it is nearly impossible to put dental filling if the excess gum tissue is on the way of the affected tooth. Therefore, the dentist may suggest crown lengthening before going ahead with the restorative procedure. Talk to us if you are looking for a dentist near you in St. Cloud, MN.
To Enable Safe Tooth Extraction
The St. Cloud Dentist may suggest crown lengthening before extracting a tooth with excess gum tissue.
What You Should Consider Before Opting for Crown Lengthening
The crown lengthening procedure is safe and fast. In fact, it might not take you more than one hour in the dental clinic. However, it is vital to remember that it is a one-time thing. Once it is done, there is no going back. You need to ensure that the surgery is right for you before opting for it. To confirm if the procedure is right for you, here are some questions you should ask yourself:
- Are you self-conscious about your smile because of the excess gum tissue? If yes, crown lengthening might be the procedure for you.
- Is your gum line uneven and affecting your smile?
- Do you require a filling, crown, or bridge, and excess gum tissue is getting on the way?
- Do you have a history of gum decay, and it is associated with excess periodontal tissue?
- Are your teeth too thin? If yes, you could benefit from a crown lengthening procedure.
Crown Lengthening Aftercare
It will take a few days before you’re fully healed, and these aftercare tips can help you accelerate your healing time.
- Take the anti-inflammatory medications provided by the dentist 56301.
- Try the ice-cold compress method to alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
- Eat soft foods and avoid hard ones until you are all healed up.
- Rinse your mouth after meals
- Use recommended mouthwash or rinse your mouth with salt water at least twice a day.
Alternatives to Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is the best procedure to deal with excess periodontal tissue. However, if you don’t want to go through it for whatever reason, you could try its alternative, which is margin elevation. The procedure facilitates the placement of restorations such as crowns and bridges.
Smile City
Talk to us if you are looking for a dentist St. Cloud, MN, and let us help you. You can count on our experience for restorative, preventive, and cosmetic services. Book an appointment now.