If you’re feeling self-conscious about your gummy smile, you’re not alone. Studies show that up to 10% of adults have an excessive gingival display, commonly known as a “gummy smile”. It’s a common concern that many people face, but the good news is that there’s a solution. Our ultimate guide to cosmetic crown lengthening will help you achieve the confident, radiant smile you’ve always wanted.

This transformative procedure can reshape your gumline and reveal the true potential of your smile. So if you’re ready to take the next step towards a smile that you’ll love to show off, keep reading to learn more about how cosmetic crown lengthening can help you get there.

Key Takeaways

• Cosmetic crown lengthening is a dental procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth, creating a more balanced and attractive smile for patients with a “gummy smile” or excessive gingival display, which affects up to 10% of adults.
• The procedure involves a skilled periodontist carefully reshaping the gum line using specialized dental instruments, such as a scalpel or laser, and may also involve removing a small amount of bone to ensure long-lasting results. The process typically takes 60-90 minutes and is performed under local anesthesia.
• After the procedure, patients can expect some soreness and swelling in the treated area for a few days to a week, and should follow postoperative care instructions, including gentle brushing, rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash, and sticking to soft, liquid foods during the initial healing period. Full recovery may take several weeks.
• Cosmetic crown lengthening can help patients achieve a more confident, radiant smile by improving the tooth-to-gum ratio and exposing more of the natural teeth. The procedure can also be necessary for dental restorations, such as placing a crown or filling a cavity near the gum line.
• Patients interested in cosmetic crown lengthening should schedule a consultation with a skilled periodontist to discuss their goals and concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to their unique needs. With state-of-the-art technology and expertise in periodontology, patients can achieve optimal oral health and a beautiful smile.

What Is Cosmetic Crown Lengthening?

Cosmetic crown lengthening is a dental procedure that removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the natural tooth. This treatment can create a more balanced and attractive smile by improving the tooth-to-gum ratio.

During the procedure, our skilled periodontist carefully reshapes the gum line using specialized dental instruments, such as a scalpel or laser. We may also remove a small amount of bone to ensure long-lasting results.

Crown lengthening is often recommended for patients with a “gummy smile,” where the gums appear too prominent compared to the teeth. By exposing more of the tooth structure, this procedure can enhance the overall appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence.

In some cases, crown lengthening may also be necessary for dental restorations, such as placing a crown or filling a cavity near the gum line. Our experienced team at Keystone Periodontal Group will work with you to determine if cosmetic crown lengthening is the best solution for your unique needs and goals.

Reasons for Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

We perform cosmetic crown lengthening for several key reasons. If you have a “gummy smile” where excess gum tissue covers too much of your teeth, crown lengthening can sculpt the gumline to expose more of your natural tooth structure.

This creates a more balanced, attractive smile.

Crown lengthening is also useful for restoring damaged or decayed teeth. If a cavity or fracture extends below the gumline, we may need to remove some gum tissue to access the damaged area and place a dental crown.

This ensures the crown fits securely without irritating your gums. In some cases, crown lengthening can even help save a tooth that might otherwise need to be extracted.

The Cosmetic Crown Lengthening Procedure

Here’s what you can expect during a cosmetic crown lengthening procedure at our office. First, we’ll numb the area with a local anesthetic to keep you comfortable. Then, we make precise incisions to remove excess gum tissue and reshape the gum line.

If needed, we may also adjust the underlying bone to expose more of the tooth. Finally, we clean the area with a saline solution and close the incisions with sutures.

Most cosmetic crown lengthening procedures take around 60-90 minutes. Afterward, we’ll provide detailed instructions for caring for the surgical site at home. This typically involves rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash and taking over-the-counter pain relievers as needed.

As the gums heal over the next few weeks, you’ll begin to see your new, improved smile take shape.

Recovery After Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

After your cosmetic crown lengthening procedure, you can expect some soreness and swelling in the treated area. This is normal and typically lasts for a few days to a week. We may prescribe pain relievers to help manage any discomfort.

Applying an ice pack to your face for 20 minutes at a time can also reduce swelling.

We’ll place sutures to help the gums heal properly. These stitches usually stay in place for about a week. Stick to soft, liquid foods during this initial healing period. Diligently follow our postoperative care instructions, including gentle brushing and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthwash.

As the gums heal, you’ll be able to resume your normal diet and oral hygiene routine. Full recovery may take several weeks, but the end result will be a more attractive, confident smile.

Improving Your Smile with Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

Improving Your Smile with Cosmetic Crown Lengthening

We understand how a gummy smile can impact your confidence. That’s where cosmetic crown lengthening comes in – a simple periodontal surgery that can transform your grin. By removing excess gum tissue and reshaping the gum line, we expose more of your natural teeth.

This creates a more balanced, symmetrical smile that you’ll be proud to show off.

Our patient Candy Turk can attest to the ease and effectiveness of the procedure. She reported only minor discomfort and was thrilled with her new smile. As Dr. Brennan explains, the process involves reflecting the gums and carefully removing a small amount of bone to reveal more tooth structure.

With our skilled touch and gentle approach, you can expect a comfortable experience and stunning results. Let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams with cosmetic crown lengthening.

Conclusion and Next Steps

Let’s take the next step in achieving your dream smile! Schedule a consultation with our skilled periodontist to see if cosmetic crown lengthening is right for you. We’re here to guide you through the process and help you flash those pearly whites with confidence.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Are you ready to take the next step towards achieving your dream smile? We invite you to schedule a consultation with our skilled periodontist, Dr. Amanda Clemente, at Keystone Periodontal Group.

During your visit, we’ll discuss your goals and concerns, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re interested in cosmetic crown lengthening, dental implants, or other periodontal procedures, our compassionate team is here to guide you every step of the way.

Don’t let a gummy smile or other dental issues hold you back any longer. With our state-of-the-art technology and expertise in periodontology, we can help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve.

Call us today at 610-777-7002 or request an appointment online to get started on your journey to optimal oral health and a radiant grin. We look forward to meeting you and helping you unlock the power of your smile!

FAQs

1. What is cosmetic crown lengthening and how can it help with gummy smiles?

If your chompers look stubby or your gums steal the show when you flash a grin, cosmetic crown lengthening might be the trick up your sleeve. This dental procedure involves removing excess gum tissue to reveal more of your pearly whites, giving you a smile that’s all tooth and no gum.

2. Is crown lengthening just for looks or are there other reasons to get it done?

While cosmetic crown lengthening is often done to spruce up your smile, it’s not just about vanity. Sometimes, your dentist might suggest this procedure to prep your mouth for dental crowns, veneers, or other prostheses. It can also help if you have periodontal problems or need to create more space between teeth for better cleaning.

3. What happens during the crown lengthening procedure?

First, your dental surgeon will numb the area with local anesthesia. Then, they’ll make small incisions to pull back the gums and remove any excess tissue or bone. They might use special instruments like a gracey curette to reshape the gum line and create a new gingival sulcus. Finally, the gums are sutured back into place, and you’re good to go!

4. Is crown lengthening painful and how long does it take to recover?

Most folks report minimal discomfort during the procedure thanks to the numbing medication. Afterwards, you might feel some soreness and swelling, but over-the-counter pain meds like ibuprofen or prescription painkillers can help. Stick to soft foods and gentle brushing for a few days while your gums heal. Most people are back to their routine within a week or two.

5. Are there any risks or complications associated with crown lengthening?

As with any surgical procedure, there are some potential risks to keep in mind. These include bleeding, infection, sensitivity, and changes in the appearance of your gums. However, these complications are rare when the procedure is done by a skilled dental surgeon. Following post-op instructions and maintaining good oral hygiene can also help minimize any issues.

6. How much does cosmetic crown lengthening cost and is it covered by insurance?

The cost of crown lengthening can vary depending on factors like the extent of the procedure, your location, and your dental surgeon’s fees. On average, expect to shell out anywhere from $1000 to $4000 per tooth. Since it’s often considered a cosmetic procedure, insurance may not cover the full cost. However, if it’s done for medical reasons like prepping for a crown or treating periodontal disease, your insurance might foot some of the bill. Check with your provider to see what your plan covers.