Your teeth and gums work together to help you maintain your healthy and stunning smile when it comes to dental care. However, your smile may need a bit of assistance to achieve its full potential. There are procedures that can create a better smile, one of which is a crown lengthening procedure. This sounds a bit complicated, but it is a very common, easy, and utilized procedure for aesthetic and functional dental purposes.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure in which the gum tissue or some of the bone surrounding a tooth is removed to uncover more of the tooth surface. There are various reasons to uncover more of the tooth, ranging from aesthetic reasons to restorative ones.
Can you undergo crown lengthening?
Now, how do you determine if crown lengthening would be a valid option for your teeth? Here are five indications that would help make the decision easier for you.
1. You Have “Gummy” Smiles
If you showcase more gum than tooth, you may have a “gummy smile.” While this condition is usually harmless, it can cause self-consciousness. The crown-lengthening procedure can help reshape the gum line and showcase more of your natural teeth. This can lead to a more aesthetically pleasing smile, allowing you to be less self-conscious about your appearance.
2. You Have Decayed Teeth Under the Gum Line
Occasionally, dentists discover that tooth decay sets in under the gum line. When this happens, the decay must be treated appropriately, and that means exposing as much of the tooth surface as is needed for your dentist to perform a complete cleaning and restoration.
If it turns out that your decay is too deep, then learning when to consider crown lengthening is important, especially to avoid a tooth extraction.
3. You’re Getting Crowns or Veneers
When it’s time for you to get a crown or veneer, you want as much of the natural tooth above the gum line so that it has support. If the tooth is short, the dentist may recommend crown lengthening in Coquitlam to provide enough height for the restoration to anchor satisfactorily. This would ultimately give you a better-fitting and longer-lasting restoration.
4. You have a Broken or Fractured Tooth Below the Gum Line
A tooth that’s cracked below the gum line is always uncomfortable, and if one has to restore it, it may be tough without exposing a sufficient amount of the tooth structure. A dentist may have to suggest crown lengthening so that she can expose enough tooth structure to allow for a meaningful restoration and preserve the tooth without extracting it.
5. You’re Dealing With Gum Disease
Gum disease can cause inflammation and recession, which sometimes leads to the formation of deep pockets between your teeth and gums. In these cases, crown lengthening can be used to reshape the gum tissue and reduce the depth of these pockets. This can be an essential step in treating gum disease and improving your overall oral health.
Reveal your best smile- Today!
Crown lengthening might sound like a big deal, but it’s actually a safe, straightforward solution for several dental problems. Whether you’re looking to improve the look of your smile or restore a damaged tooth, understanding the signs can help you make an informed decision.
At Lincoln Dental, we’re proud to offer expert care and personalized treatment plans for every patient. If you think crown lengthening might be right for you, or if you just have questions about your dental health, don’t hesitate to reach out. Our experienced dentist in Coquitlam is here to guide you every step of the way.