Crown lengthening is most commonly performed before the placement of dental crowns on one or more teeth. By extending the crown of the tooth, more of the tooth can be exposed to allow the crown cap to be fitted more securely. When a tooth is broken, there may not be enough tooth left to fit a crown, so you would need to undergo this procedure.
As a cosmetic procedure, crown lengthening can be used to achieve your desired smile by treating a “gummy smile” or excessive gum tissue surrounding the front teeth. The excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth.
The crown lengthening procedure is relatively straightforward and can be performed in one sitting under local anesthesia. Depending on the length of the existing crown, Dr. Laskis adjusts the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth as needed.
Prepare for Crown Lengthening
Our office will schedule an appointment for you if, after comparing your x-rays, we feel that you need crown lengthening. We will ask you regarding your medical history, the medications you may be taking, and your x-rays before the procedure. Take this opportunity to ask any questions you may have and help set your mind at ease. Before the crown lengthening procedure is started, we may suggest you get a cleaning, but will inform you well in advance.
What To Expect During The Procedure
A local anesthetic is used to numb the area so that you are more comfortable during the procedure. Procedure times vary based on the number of teeth that need to be done, but are usually less than an hour. The removal of gum tissue only will take less time than the removal of gum tissue and bone.
Recovery
In some cases, the recovery time after a crown lengthening procedure can last as long as a month. The best way to manage your pain would be to take a pain reliever, such as ibuprofen. To reduce swelling, we recommend using an ice pack on the area for a few days. Avoid hot or very cold food as well.
Why Choose Dr. Laskis and Parkview Dentistry for Your Crown Lengthening
In Fountain Hills there are many fine dentists, but Dr. Laskis stands out above the rest. Phoenix Magazine named her a “Top Doctor” in its 2018 issue for her commitment to patients and her ability to deal with emergency situations.
Dr. Laskis emphasizes the importance of treating the whole person. By practicing gentle dentistry, she strives to make her patients as comfortable as possible. Her approach to caring for her patients is to treat them as extensions of her own family.
Parkview Dentistry strives to make every patient’s experience as comfortable and pleasant as possible. Before we proceed with your treatment, our staff meets with you to discuss your options. You are never under any pressure to make a decision right away. We encourage you to ask us questions and to go over your options as much as you wish. As part of our service, our clients will also enjoy the following benefits:
- Experience: Dr. Laskis is a member of the ADA and the Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.
- Patience: Nervous patients can be made to feel more at ease by our trained staff.
- Flexibility: We make appointments according to your schedule.
When you get crown lengthening, you’ll be amazed by the difference a gentle dentist can make. Our team will assist you in every aspect of this process, from the financial details to the post-procedure care instructions.