“My teeth are too small…I don’t like that my gums are uneven…I want to be able to smile with confidence.”
So many times I have heard my patients utter these sentences when referring to their “gummy smile.” This is a condition in which there is too much tissue covering the teeth. As a periodontist, I am in a unique position to help remedy this concern with a procedure called esthetic crown lengthening.
WHAT IS ESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING?
Esthetic crown lengthening is when we remove excess tissue and bone around the crown. After a patient’s initial consultation appointment, the procedure can sometimes be completed in one additional appointment, providing quick results.
When our patients come to us with a part of their smile they are unhappy with, it can hinder their personal and professional life. With this procedure, we can dramatically improve the confidence of individuals that are self-conscious of the “gummy smile.”
Crown lengthening is a way to reduce that aspect and allow the patient to focus on more important details of life. Not only does it provide quick results with a fast recovery time, but the changes can also boost a patient’s self-esteem.
BENEFITS OF ESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING
- Exposing the full natural tooth and beautiful smile
- Creating a more symmetrical gum line
- Providing more space for crowns and veneers
- Increasing oral hygiene through exposure of more tooth structure for cleanings
- Decreasing the potential for gum disease and tooth decay through increased oral hygiene of the full tooth structure
- Increasing confidence for the patient
A “gummy smile” can make individuals feel self-conscious which could hinder a person’s personal and professional life. Crown lengthening would be a way to reduce that aspect, so they can focus on other things in life.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR ESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING?
During a patient’s initial consultation, the periodontal team will take x-rays and measurements of the gums to determine if they are a candidate. A treatment plan will be reviewed with the patient to discuss the procedure and its cost. Once approved, the procedure can be scheduled and performed. About 1 to 2 weeks later, we have you return for a follow-up appointment to check on the healing process.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR ESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING PROCEDURE
The procedure is normally performed under local anesthetic. If the patient has any anxiety about having surgery, we offer the option of oral or IV sedation. When the patient is ready, the periodontal team then follows the treatment plan to produce the desired results. We use a variety of tools to recontour and create a symmetrical smile. Once the procedure is completed, the patient is able to return home to start the recovery process.
It is important that the patient follow the post-op procedures from their medical team in order to minimize swelling and pain over the initial 72 hours. Typically, pain is managed with over-the-counter medications.
RECOVERY TIME FOR ESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING
The recovery time for the procedure is dependent on the amount of gum tissue corrected and the number of areas treated. The initial healing process is very short and the patient may return to work within the next day. The results are immediate.
Individuals that have undergone this procedure have expressed a greater sense of confidence and satisfaction when it comes to interacting with others. Their need to hide a smile, smother a laugh, or remain silent in a conversation has disappeared.
Everyone desires to have a beautiful smile so it warms my heart when I can play a part in bringing that out for a patient. If esthetic crown lengthening is something you would like to know more about then please ask to have an appointment set up with the periodontal team at Virginia Family Dentistry. We have multiple specialists in multiple locations in this field that can assist.
Danielle M. McCormack, DDS, MSD
Periodontist at Virginia Family Dentistry Chester and Virginia Family Dentistry Midlothian-288