Crown Lengthening Specialist

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure that recontours your gum tissue and bone. It exposes more of your tooth’s surface, allowing your dental provider to bond a crown to a damaged or decaying tooth.

At Pacific Coast Periodontics, the team performs crown lengthening on-site. The procedure typically takes less than an hour.

What is the purpose of crown lengthening?

To receive a dental crown, you need enough enamel to support the bonding process.

If you have a broken or decaying tooth, the crown might wobble around, making it difficult to bite and chew while increasing the risk of more serious complications.

Crown lengthening removes excess tissue and bone so more of your tooth sits above the gum’s surface. That allows for a more comfortable fit while encouraging good oral hygiene.

How do I prepare for crown lengthening?

Before conducting a crown lengthening procedure, the team at Pacific Coast Periodontics performs a comprehensive oral exam and reviews your dental health history.

They also take a series of X-rays to examine the affected tooth. The team uses your X-rays to develop a custom treatment plan.

If you take any prescription medication or vitamins regularly, let your provider know. They might recommend stopping for a few days or a week to minimize the risk of surgical complications.

What does crown lengthening involve?

If Pacific Coast Periodontics determines you’re a good candidate for crown lengthening, the team administers a local anesthetic to numb your gums and tooth roots.

Next, they carefully make a series of incisions in your gum tissue and pull them away from your teeth. Your provider removes the excess tissue and bone and rinses the surgical area with an antiseptic solution.

Afterward, they suture your gums back together and add a bandage for an extra layer of protection. Before you leave, the team writes you a prescription for pain medication and provides you with a special mouthwash that helps your gums heal.

What is recovery like following crown lengthening?

Recovery after crown lengthening often takes two to three months. As soon as your gums start healing, you can return to normal activities.

To ensure a speedy recovery, follow the team’s instructions carefully. Take your medication as prescribed and attend each of your scheduled checkups. To limit pain and swelling, the team recommends:

• Using an ice pack
• Avoiding hot foods for at least 24 hours
• Brushing and flossing gently
• Eating a diet of primarily soft foods
• Avoiding alcohol

By following these recommendations, you can lower your risk of potential complications like an infection.

To learn more about crown lengthening, make an appointment at Pacific Coast Periodontics by calling the office to speak with a caring member of the administrative staff, or by clicking the online booking tool today.