Enhance Your Smile’s Aesthetics and Function with Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening or gum contouring in Darien, Illinois, removes excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth. Expertly administered at Acura Dental Implants & Periodontics, we provide expert and comfortable care to enhance your appearance and oral health. Visit Dr. Amer Atassi today and reveal your smile’s true potential.
What is crown lengthening?
Our periodontist recommends crown lengthening to reveal more of the tooth. The procedure involves trimming excessive gum tissue and sometimes removing some of the underlying bone to improve aesthetics and oral health.
Here are reasons you may need crown lengthening.
- Restore decayed tooth: The procedure exposes the tooth to repair damage or decay beneath the gum line.
- Prep for a dental crown: A dental crown needs a sufficient foundation for maximum adhesion. Crown lengthening creates more surface area, allowing your crown or other restoration to attach securely for long-lasting outcomes.
- Improved gum health: Overgrown gum tissues can make you vulnerable to gum infections. The doctor can recommend crown lengthening as part of your periodontal treatment plan.
- Cosmetics: Do you have an uneven gum line? Or does your tooth look unusually small? Crown lengthening trims and reshapes your gum line to achieve a symmetrical appearance.
Achieving the desired aesthetics with crown lengthening requires artistic skills and surgical precision. Dr. Atassi combines careful planning with modern surgical guides to administer exact tissue removal, creating functional and aesthetically appealing outcomes.
What does crown lengthening involve?
We can complete the procedure within 60 minutes, but it takes longer if more teeth are involved or bone needs reshaping. Here’s what you can expect from the procedure.
- Initial consultation allows us to align our goals with the patient’s to achieve satisfactory outcomes. We’ll also examine your oral health and address any oral health issues, such as periodontal disease.
- Anesthesia: We’ll use local anesthesia to ensure a painless experience. We can also provide sedation dentistry for patients anxious about the procedure.
- Tissue removal: The dentist will remove an exact amount of the gum tissue to achieve the desired results. Instead of scalpels, the dentist uses a dental laser for a precise, comfortable, and minimally invasive procedure.
- Bone removal: Sometimes, the doctor may adjust the bone level to expose more of the tooth.
- Suturing: The doctor will clean and sterilize the surgical site to remove harmful bacteria. Stitches may or may not be used. We’ll bandage the treatment area to begin healing and prevent infections.
After treatment, you can expect mild pain, swelling, and sensitivity. We’ll recommend medications and home remedies to manage discomfort. Many patients need a week to resume their everyday activities. However, 2-3 months or more may be necessary for complete healing. Our team will recommend follow-up appointments, lifestyle changes, diet, and oral hygiene practices during healing to maximize recovery and reduce complications.
Crown lengthening FAQs
How is crown lengthening different from gum contouring?
Although the two procedures sound similar, they serve different purposes. Gum contouring is usually a cosmetic treatment designed to reshape minor amounts of gum tissue for a more balanced appearance. Crown lengthening, on the other hand, may involve removing both gum tissue and small amounts of bone to reveal more of the natural tooth structure. This makes crown lengthening useful not only for improving a “gummy smile” but also for restoring decayed or broken teeth and preparing them for crowns or other restorations.
Will crown lengthening change the look of my smile?
Yes. Crown lengthening can significantly improve the proportions of your smile. Patients with short-looking teeth or uneven gum lines often find that their teeth appear longer and more natural after the procedure. The result is usually a more symmetrical, attractive smile. For patients who need the procedure for functional reasons, the added cosmetic improvement is often a welcome bonus.
Is crown lengthening painful?
Most patients are pleasantly surprised to find that the procedure itself is comfortable, thanks to local anesthesia that completely numbs the treatment area. If you’re nervous, sedation dentistry may also be an option. After the procedure, it’s normal to experience mild tenderness, swelling, or sensitivity for several days. These symptoms can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, cold compresses, and careful oral hygiene as instructed by your dentist.
How do I know if I’m a good candidate for crown lengthening?
You may be a candidate if you have teeth that are decayed or fractured near the gum line, require additional surface area for a crown or bridge, or feel self-conscious about having a “gummy smile.” Patients in good general health with realistic expectations typically do very well with the procedure. During your consultation, Dr. Atassi will evaluate your gums, teeth, and jawbone using a visual exam and digital imaging to determine whether crown lengthening is the best solution for your needs.
What should I expect during recovery?
Recovery time can vary depending on how many teeth were treated and whether bone reshaping was required. Most patients return to their normal activities within a few days, but full healing of the gums and underlying bone can take up to three months. During recovery, you’ll be advised to eat softer food, avoid strenuous activity, and keep the surgical site clean. Regular follow-up appointments allow your dentist to monitor healing and make sure your gums are adapting properly.
Does crown lengthening carry risks?
As with any oral surgery, there are some risks, such as bleeding, infection, or uneven gum healing. However, when performed by a skilled periodontist, these risks are very low. Using advanced techniques and strict sterilization protocols, Dr. Atassi ensures safe and predictable outcomes. You can further reduce risks by carefully following aftercare instructions and attending your scheduled follow-up visits.
How long will the results last?
The results of crown lengthening are considered permanent. Once the excess gum or bone tissue is removed, it does not return. This means the functional and cosmetic improvements are long-lasting, provided you maintain good oral hygiene and regular dental checkups. Patients often find that their crowns or restorations last longer as a result, since the improved gum-to-tooth ratio makes them more stable and easier to keep clean.
Need crown lengthening in Darien, Illinois?
Don't let gums get in the way of your healthy, beautiful smile. Crown lengthening in Darien, IL, is a simple procedure to achieve optimal proportion between gums and teeth. Ready to get started? Call (630) 581-0000 and schedule an appointment today with Acura Dental Implants & Periodontics.
