Crown Lengthening in Orlando, FL

Expert cosmetic dentist Dr. Patricia Roach is experienced in performing crown lengthening to improve the appearance and health of your smile. Crown lengthening can be a confusing term to some, given that it sounds like it involves adding material to a tooth. A more accurate term might be crown exposure since gum tissue is removed to reveal more of the tooth structure. You may consider crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons if you want to fix a "gummy" smile for a more attractive, balanced appearance. It may also be needed if not enough tooth structure is visible to support a dental filling, crown, or other necessary restoration. To learn more about crown lengthening procedures from Dr. Roach, schedule a consultation at Orlando Advanced Dentists in Orlando, FL.

Ideal candidates for crown lengthening should be in good general health, especially in terms of the gums. Issues, like periodontal (gum) disease, may need to be treated before crown lengthening is performed. Most often, crown lengthening is requested for cosmetic reasons to correct a "gummy" smile. This procedure can also be used to enhance the cosmetic appeal of the smile following orthodontic treatment. In these cases, overgrown gum tissue may be removed to improve the ratio of gum tissue to enamel and create an even gumline that aesthetically enhances appearance. For other patients, crown lengthening may be needed to perform a restoration. Dr. Roach may have to remove a small amount of gum and bone tissue to reveal more of the tooth structure and effectively place a filling, crown, or bridge.

Before the crown lengthening procedure, the gum tissue will be numbed with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure. You may discuss other sedation methods with Dr. Roach at your consultation to help keep you calm and relaxed if you feel anxious about receiving care. When your mouth is prepared, your gum tissue (and bone, if necessary) will be gently removed to gradually reveal more of the teeth. Your gumline will also be shaped for an even look to frame the teeth in a more attractive way. As soon as Dr. Roach has completed the crown lengthening treatment, she will place sutures if needed and rinse your gum tissues.

After your crown lengthening procedure, your gums might be tender and slightly swollen. Nonprescription pain relievers and cold compresses often can be used to reduce your discomfort, but Dr. Roach may prescribe pain medication, depending on your individual needs. It may be helpful to stick to a liquid or soft food diet for a few days as your gums recover. You should clean your mouth with mouthwash and follow Dr. Roach's recommendations for home care in areas where you received treatment. In some cases, you may need to have a follow-up appointment at Orlando Advanced Dentists to evaluate your healing. Dr. Roach will also continuously check your oral health, including your gums, at your dental exam and cleaning visits.

If you need to restore your oral health or you want to improve the look of your smile, we invite you to learn more about crown lengthening at Orlando Advanced Dentists. By removing excess gum tissue from around the teeth, Dr. Roach is able to improve the look of a "gummy" smile or prepare your teeth for a restoration. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Roach at our office in Orlando, FL to decide if you are a candidate for cosmetic or restorative crown lengthening.