Crown Lengthening Services in Memphis: Preparing Your Teeth for Dental Crowns
Crown Lengthening: Essential for Protecting Your Teeth and Dental Health
Want to Preserve a Broken or Decayed Tooth? Explore Your Dental Options
We Might Be Able to Help You Out! If you’ve been advised to remove a tooth, there might be an alternative. At our clinic, we can potentially restore your tooth with a procedure known as crown lengthening.
Crown lengthening involves adjusting the gum and bone level to reveal more of the tooth, making it possible to treat or restore it. During this procedure, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to uncover more of your natural teeth. Crown lengthening can be either esthetic or functional, depending on your needs. This treatment can be performed on a single tooth or multiple teeth, tailored to your specific requirements.
Dr. Adatrow specializes in crown lengthening to help you achieve the best outcome for your dental health and smile.
Advantages of Crown Lengthening for Restoring Broken or Decayed Teeth
- Save a Tooth – To save a broken tooth, excess gum tissue must be removed to gain visibility and access for effective treatment.
- Improving Smile – If your gums are covering your teeth, a multi-tooth lengthening procedure may be necessary to correct your gum line and enhance your smile.
- Reducing Caries Risk – Oral health issues, including tooth decay, are less common with a normal gum line compared to "high" gums, which can cover parts of your tooth that are harder to clean and keep free of bacteria.
- Support a Filling or Crown – For a dental crown, implant, or bridge to be securely placed, the gum line must be adjusted to the proper level.
- Facilitate Tooth Removal – When performing a tooth extraction, removing excess periodontal tissue around the tooth can make the procedure safer, quicker, and easier.
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Frequently Asked Questions on Crown Lengthening
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening adjusts the gum and bone level to reveal more of the tooth so it can be treated or restored. During the process, excess gum and bone tissue are reshaped to expose more of your natural teeth.
What are the Types of Dental Crown Lengthening?
The type of crown lengthening performed depends on the reason for the procedure. The two main types are functional crown lengthening and esthetic crown lengthening.
What Measures Will Be Taken Before the Crown Lengthening Procedure?
Before undergoing crown lengthening, our dental team will record your medical history and take X-rays (radiographs) to assess the condition of your teeth and bone. You should also inform us about any medications you are taking, as this may influence whether you need to stop any drugs before the procedure. If necessary, Dr. Adatrow will also take an impression for your temporary crown.
Can I Undergo Sedation for Crown Lengthening Treatment?
Yes, if you are anxious about dental treatments, sedation might be a suitable option. You can discuss your fears and concerns with Dr. Adatrow during your initial visit. Dr. Adatrow will ensure you receive the utmost care and address all your concerns.
How is Crown Lengthening Performed?
During the crown lengthening procedure, Dr. Adatrow removes the gums to separate them from the teeth and reveals the roots and bones to adjust the bone level. In some cases, only the gum tissue is removed. The area will be washed with saltwater, and the gums will be sutured back together, often with a bandage for extra protection.
What is a Crown?
The part of the tooth visible above the gum is called the crown.
What is Esthetic Crown Lengthening?
Esthetic crown lengthening is performed to correct a gummy smile, where the gums cover too much of the crown, making the tooth appear smaller or shorter.
What is Functional Crown Lengthening?
Functional crown lengthening is a surgical procedure needed if a tooth is broken below the gum line or if more of the tooth structure needs to be exposed for proper support. This procedure aims to change the gum level and provide sufficient room for Dr. Adatrow to restore the area effectively.
Can Crown Lengthening be Performed with a Laser?
Yes, dental crown lengthening can be performed using a laser. Crown laser lengthening offers a gentle, minimally invasive treatment that is reliable and predictable, resulting in less irritation, swelling, and bleeding.