A crown lengthening Baton Rouge la, also known as gum recontouring, is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue or bone material to expose more of your tooth surface. It is often used in conjunction with a dental restoration, such as a crown or veneer, to help your smile look more natural and healthy.
Crown lengthening can be done for many reasons, but the most common ones are cosmetic, to correct a “gummy smile” or to prepare your mouth for a restoration like a crown. It is also useful for repairing teeth that have been broken below the gum line.
Gum Tissue Removal
During this surgical procedure, the dentist in Baton Rouge or an oral surgeon will make incisions into your gums to remove any extra tissue. Then, the area will be cleaned and stitches will be placed to secure the area.
Removing excess gum tissue is a great way to achieve a beautiful, balanced smile and increase your confidence in your appearance. In some cases, this treatment can even improve your oral health by removing a source of periodontal disease.
Your Periodontist will be able to tell you if your gums are in good shape and whether you need the crown lengthening procedure. They may also recommend that you have a dental hygiene appointment before the surgery to ensure your gums are healthy and clean.
The process is usually quick and painless, though it may be slightly uncomfortable for a few days. This is because a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area of your mouth.
You will probably need to take some anti-inflammatory medication to control the pain. This can include ibuprofen, or aspirin, to relieve any inflammation that you might experience. The healing process after crown lengthening can take several months, so you will need to avoid chewing and brushing your teeth until the area has completely healed.
A new tooth or dental restoration – This is a popular reason to get a crown lengthening Baton Rouge la, because the edge of a new restoration can be difficult to access. Performing this procedure will allow your dentist to reach the edge of your tooth without damaging the gums or bone, and will also provide more support so that the crown is properly bonded to the tooth.
To help the dentist achieve a perfect fit, your dentist will need to have at least 2 millimeters of surface area between the crest of your jaw bone and the restoration. That amount of space, called biologic width, is essential for bonding your new restoration to your tooth.
If your restoration is not anchored firmly to the tooth, it could cause your tooth to become loose, or worse, fall off altogether. This can result in significant discomfort, which is why your dentist might recommend crown lengthening before you have your restoration.