When Is Crown Lengthening Necessary?

Self-esteem can be negatively impacted by an imperfect smile. Luckily, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent years, and you have many different options that could potentially give you the picture-perfect smile you have always dreamed of!

Even better, some cosmetic procedures give you the best of both worlds: a better looking and a healthier smile!

Case in point: crown lengthening. Is it for you? Find out the answer in this short blog post.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a procedure that essentially helps reveal more of the crown of the tooth by moving the gums closer to the root. The procedure is simple and will essentially elongate the appearance of the teeth.

As a result, it’s common to see this procedure in cosmetic dentistry used to address a variety of aesthetic concerns:

• Small teeth
• Irregular gum line
• Reducing a “gummy” smile, etc.

However, crown lengthening might also be necessary as a way to address some dental health issues as well!

How Crown Lengthening Can Help Make Your Teeth Healthier

Your dentist may also recommend crown lengthening in cases of tooth decay when the impacted tissue is not easy to reach. This usually means the decayed tissue lies beneath the gum lines, which means the classic methods to clean it are not appropriate.

However, in these cases, crown lengthening is not permanent. The dentist will push back the gums to reveal the affected tissue, clean it, and then lower the gums back to their initial position once the decay has been completely removed.

Another case where a crown lengthening might be needed is a tooth fracture. The dentist may pull back the gum line in order to prevent tooth extraction. With a longer tooth to work with, the dentist can then prep the remaining crown and add a dental crown on top to protect it. This means the patient will avoid an extraction.

Is Crown Lengthening for You?

Whether it’s for aesthetics or function, crown lengthening is a great dental procedure that can help you address a variety of dental issues!

However, the only way to know for sure if crown lengthening is for you is by seeing a dentist and having your oral health inspected. Based on your particular case, the dentist will devise a personalized treatment plan that will help you get a better-looking and healthier smile.

How Clermont Family Dentistry Can Help

Clermont Family Dentistry is here to help everyone in the Clermont area get the winning smile they deserve. No matter if you’re looking for cosmetic dentistry or ways to improve your dental health, our practice is at your service.

To get started, please book a consultation with Dr. Mundi Buechele today, or call our office directly at (352) 242-1763 to find out more about how we can help.