When Should You Opt For Dental Crown Lengthening?

As a way to fix a tooth, a dental surgeon may propose removing a bone, gum tissue, or both to first expose the affected tooth. Is this procedure necessary? When should you opt for dental crown lengthening? Well, there are diverse reasons behind dental crown lengthening. This post will highlight 4 leading ones and hopefully help you decide whether the method is fit for you. Let’s get to it!

  1. Fixing a Broken , Cracked or Misshapen Tooth

Do you need a crown fixed on a broken, cracked, or misshapen tooth? Such teeth may not attach properly to the top. Indeed, the affected tooth either prohibits or is not enough to hold the crown in place. Therefore, a dentist may want to shave down the bone so that more of it is above the surface. This way, the tooth will fit comfortably to the crown, promoting your oral hygiene.

  1. Correct Tooth Decay Under a Crown or Filling

If you’ve had tooth decay for quite a while, it may be cumbersome for the dentist to access the deeper areas of the gum line when cleaning it. Equally, filling such a cavity may prove an uphill task. Hence, the dentist reshapes the gum or bone around the tooth before treating it.

  1. Complete Other Dental Procedures

Are you scheduled for a root canal, dental implant, or bridge? You may need a crown lengthening process as part of the procedure. The process helps in removing excess gum tissues or bone, bringing back your natural, fair look and smile. Sometimes you might also need braces. Besides, it makes you less susceptible to periodontal infections afterward.

  1. Gummy Smile Correction

Are your gums notably visible above the teeth when you smile? Does this make you feel insecure when you talk or smile? You could be having a gummy smile.  Gummy smiles come about for many reasons. First, you could be having excessive gum tissue that makes your regular size teeth to appear smaller than usual. Secondly, if your upper lip is relatively shorter, then the gums tend to be quite visible. What’s more, when teeth wear out with time, the gums become more apparent.

Correcting a gummy smile is seen as an aesthetic procedure. Besides, it is common in women than in men. If you feel insecure about the appearance of your gums, then you need to get your gum re-contoured, thereby revealing the hidden part of the teeth.

Bottom-line

Whereas dental crown lengthening is a simple remedial process, it is necessary when improving a gummy smile or fixing a crown over a broken, cracked, or misshapen tooth. Besides, you need this method to heal a cavity under a crown or filling. Finally, the process is sure when completing a root canal, bridge, or a dental implant. Do you have any of these issues? If yes, plan to see a periodontist before you get your crown fixed. He or she will review your medical history and explain the process and risks associated with the procedure. Get in touch today.