Do you know what a dental crown lengthening in Nashville procedure is for? The name can sound intimidating, but crown lengthening is a common procedure. A dental crown is an artificial cap that takes on the shape of a tooth. It is placed over a discolored, chipped, or fractured tooth to improve its structure and aesthetic appeal. Dental crowns are also used for procedures like dental implants, root canals, and bridges.
Understanding Dental Crown Lengthening
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure wherein your oral surgeon will reshape your gum tissues (sometimes including your bone) to expose more of your tooth’s surface to receive the crown. The procedure only takes less than 60 minutes.
What Is the Purpose of Crown Lengthening?
You may be advised to undergo a crown lengthening procedure if your tooth does not have enough space to hold an artificial dental crown. For example, it may be difficult for a crown to stick firmly to a tooth badly damaged due to decay or if it has been broken.
In a crown lengthening procedure, your oral surgeon will remove some of your gum tissues and shave down parts of your bone so that more of your tooth becomes visible above the gum line.
A dental crown must fit your tooth snugly for comfort and improved oral hygiene. Some patients request crown lengthening to correct a gummy smile. When you smile, too much of your gum tissues are exposed.
What Are the Preparations Needed for Crown Lengthening?
First, your dental surgeon will provide you with a temporary crown until your final crown is ready. The purpose of a temporary crown is to protect your tooth while waiting. Before your scheduled surgery, you’ll meet with a periodontist for an interview to get in-depth information about your medical history.
They may also request X-rays. During your consultation, let your oral surgeon know your current medications. You may be advised to discontinue some of them for the procedure.
How Is the Procedure Performed?
Crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure, which means you do not need to be admitted and can go home immediately. The duration varies depending on the number of teeth that need reshaping.
Also, you must consider the bone and gum tissues to be removed. If you are wearing temporary crowns on any of your teeth, these will be taken out before the crown lengthening procedure and placed back after.
Local anesthesia is administered so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure. Some patients may be given sedatives. Your oral surgeon will incise your gum tissues and pull them away from your teeth to expose your tooth roots and bone. Sometimes only your gum tissues are removed.
The area will be rinsed with saline water before applying the sutures. The gum tissues are stitched back, and a bandage is placed to protect the area.
Slight discomfort is expected once the anesthesia wears off. But don’t worry; the pain can be managed by taking OTC pain medications. In addition, mouth rinses can help your gums heal.
Interested in Dental Crown Lengthening in Nashville?
Crown lengthening is a popular procedure with minimal risks if performed by a qualified professional. At Nashville Dental Implants, we offer cosmetic and restorative dental treatments tailored to your needs and goals. Contact us to schedule an appointment.
