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Crown Lengthening

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Enhance Your Smile with Crown Lengthening, Also Known as a Gum Lift

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure designed to expose more of a tooth’s surface, often necessary for securing a dental crown or improving the appearance of a "gummy" smile. At Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma, Dr. Hayden Fuller performs this procedure to ensure that there is enough tooth structure available for a crown or to enhance the aesthetic balance between your teeth and gums.

Why Might You Need Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening may be required for several reasons:

To Support a Dental Crown:
If a tooth is broken off at the gumline or lacks sufficient structure to hold a crown, crown lengthening is performed to expose more of the tooth.

To Address Gum Overgrowth:
Excessive gum tissue can extend too far along the teeth, making it difficult to place a crown properly or affecting the appearance of your smile.

For Cosmetic Enhancement:
Some patients choose crown lengthening to reduce the appearance of a gummy smile, creating a more proportionate and confident smile.

The Crown Lengthening Procedure

Preparation:

Before the procedure, Dr. Fuller will thoroughly examine your teeth and may take 3D scans to plan your treatment. A dental cleaning might be recommended to reduce the risk of infection. If the procedure is being performed to accommodate a dental crown, a temporary crown may be placed beforehand to guide the surgery.

During Surgery:

Dr. Fuller will begin by making an incision in the gum tissue to create a gingival flap, exposing the tooth and bone underneath. Depending on the case, she may remove a small amount of bone and/or gum tissue to achieve the desired result. Once the tooth structure is adequately exposed, the gums are sutured back into place. The length of the procedure varies depending on the number of teeth involved.

After Surgery:

You’ll notice immediate changes in the appearance of your teeth, but full recovery will take a few weeks. During this time, it’s important to avoid strenuous activities and follow your post-operative care instructions, including the use of prescribed pain relievers and special mouth rinses to keep the area clean.

FAQ: Common Questions About Crown Lengthening

  • The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so you shouldn’t feel any pain during the surgery. Some discomfort afterward is normal, but it can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. Dr. Fuller will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

  • Recovery typically takes a few weeks. You’ll see immediate results in your smile, but it’s important to follow your surgeon’s care instructions, avoid strenuous activity for 3–4 days, and keep the surgical site clean to ensure optimal healing.

  • Yes, crown lengthening can significantly improve the appearance of your smile by reducing the amount of visible gum tissue and creating a more balanced ratio between your teeth and gums. This procedure is often chosen by individuals looking to enhance their smile aesthetics.

  • You might be a candidate for crown lengthening if you need more tooth structure exposed for a crown or if you’re looking to improve a gummy smile. A consultation with Dr. Fuller will determine if this procedure is right for you.

Ready to Overcome Dental Issues?

Contact us for more information or to schedule a consultation. Let Oral Surgery Specialists of Oklahoma help you restore your smile with our dental implant services.