Crown Lengthening
If you have a “gummy smile,” crown lengthening can help. During the treatment, our Grand Rapids dentists will remove excess gum tissue to create the appearance of longer teeth and a more even smile. Crown lengthening can also make it easier to correct other dental issues, such as gum disease or decayed, damaged teeth.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a type of oral surgery. During the procedure, our team will move your gums away from the bone underneath. In some cases, the bone will be smoothed before the gums are reattached in a lower position on the teeth. After your procedure, your gums will look much less prominent.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
The procedure is performed with the aid of anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain or discomfort during the procedure.
Our oral surgeons will provide you with all of the information you need in order to heal after the crown lengthening procedure. We will also help you schedule a follow-up visit so we can check up on how you’re healing.
There might be some discomfort in the first few days after your procedure depending on the work that was done. You will want to eat soft foods and keep the area clean during the healing process. Some bleeding is normal, but if you experience bleeding that is heavy or does not stop after 24 hours, please contact our office immediately.
Post-Surgery Tips
A few other things to keep in mind after your procedure:
- Be very gentle when cleaning your teeth until the area is healed.
- Your teeth might be particularly sensitive to temperature; this is normal during the healing process.
- You may notice some swelling in or around your mouth after the procedure. This is normal and can be managed by icing the area.
Learn More
If you’re concerned about your smile and are interested in crown lengthening, our Grand Rapids, MI, dentists at Bander Dental Group will be happy to help you decide if the procedure is right for you. Give us a call at (616) 949-5980 or contact us online to set up a consultation today.
The video below talks about why you may need a crown lengthening, the treatment, and what else you should know.