Crown lengthening in St. Albert may be required for a variety of reasons. This treatment sentails exposing more of the tooth’s surface for cosmetic or oral health reasons. If your dentist has recommended this avenue of oral health therapy, here is a quick guide to everything you need to know before your procedure, including post-operative care instructions.
What is Crown Lengthening?
First things first, crown lengthening is an oral surgery technique that’s performed to make teeth appear longer and involves removing excess gum tissue and maybe bone around them. Periodontists are the most common practitioners of this method. Furthermore, crown lengthening can contour the uneven gum line for a more symmetrical grin. Dentists might suggest this option to address cosmetic concerns too.
Left untreated, cavities can grow too large to be fixed with a filling, necessitating the installation of a dental crown. Crowns can also be used to conceal anything from crooked teeth to discolored teeth.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure:
Tooth-shaped restorations, or crowns, are placed over natural teeth for cosmetic or structural reasons like damage, fracture, or mishaps. A crown can complete bridges, root canals, and dental implants. Crowns must be able to cling firmly to an existing tooth. Crown lengthening near you may be advantageous.
Dental surgeons undertake crown lengthening by recontouring gum tissue and, in certain situations, bone to expose more of a tooth’s surface for a crown. It’s a routine process that normally takes less than an hour to complete.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening:
Prompt and suitable for all
If our general dentists find that you require crown lengthening, you should be in and out of the chair in 30–60 minutes. A local anesthetic makes the procedure painless and comfortable. Furthermore, crown lengthening requires only one appointment. Once completed, you don’t need to find time in your hectic schedule for a follow-up appointment.
Builds a balanced smile
A gummy smile might cause you to be self-conscious about opening your mouth to talk or laugh, which is an unhealthy way to live. Our general dentists can reveal a perfectly good set of teeth hidden beneath your gums by extending the crowns and allowing more of your natural tooth surface to appear when you smile. You’ll be surprised at how much confidence you gain.
Withdraws infected tissue
Depending on the severity of the infection, the best treatment may be to remove the diseased tissue entirely, which is exactly what the crown lengthening technique does. Our dentists meticulously remove irreparably damaged gum tissue, giving you a higher chance of healing fully.
Employs laser technology
The best aspect of crown lengthening is that our dentists use modern laser technology. Instead of using a blade to remove gum tissue, he uses a cutting-edge laser to make more precise incisions.
Recovery and Aftercare
Your gums will likely need many months to fully recover after your crown lengthening procedure. Ask any dentist in St. Albert, and they will agree that most of your normal daily activities can be resumed shortly after surgery. However, for the best healing, you should always follow all aftercare instructions or directions from your provider, like:
- Immediately after surgery: apply an ice pack for roughly 20 minutes to reduce swelling
- To avoid unwanted bleeding, skip hot foods and beverages
- Don’t perform strenuous activities during the first 48 to 72 hours
- Only take prescribed or over-the-counter pain relievers as exactly advised
A few additional recommendations for recovery:
- Avoid hard, hot, or sticky food items while recovering, as your gums may be sensitive to hot and cold temperatures for some time.
- Soft foods and plenty of water will aid in the healing of the gums.
- Refrain from drinking or smoking for 7 to 10 days.
- Keep your tongue away from the treated gums.
- Do not pull your lip outward to inspect the operation site.
- Schedule a checkup with your dentist to monitor the healing process.
Risks and Considerations
Crown lengthening carries some risk of infection, but not more than other surgical procedures. To help prevent infection, you should follow all postoperative care instructions. Contact your dentist’s office if you have any questions throughout your recovery.
After the surgery, you may feel bleeding at the surgery site. Plus, your teeth may be sensitive to hot and cold conditions. With time, the sensitivity will fade.
Call or Come in and Speak With Our Team
If you are looking for a dentist near you, the team at Jensen Lakes Dental is always eager to help. We can guide you from crown lengthening factors to the procedure in depth. Visit our website or book a consultation today.