If you go to your dentist to fill a cavity or apply a crown, they may also recommend a procedure called crown lengthening. Crowns need at least two millimeters of surface area to bond with the gums, so crown lengthening reshapes the gums to expose more of the tooth underneath. This helps bond the crown and prevent any future complications. Our New York team at Rockland Dental Specialists can help you decide if crown lengthening is right for you and the details of the procedure.
With our 24 years of the collective experience and extensive knowledge of the latest techniques, you can trust us to give a stress-free experience. We prioritize your health and comfort with our state-of-the-art technologies and relaxing offices. Our professional specialists strive to leave you satisfied with your smile and support before, during, and after your procedure so you always know what to expect.
3 Reasons You May Need Crown Lengthening
You may need a crown lengthening procedure if we do not have enough room to attach the crown to your tooth. The following conditions may cause this issue:
Short Teeth
This is one of the most common reasons patients need crown lengthening surgery. If your gums cover a large number of your teeth, leaving them looking short, we may not have enough space to attach the crown. In this case, we may need to recontour your gums to ensure your teeth are an appropriate length for the crown.
Severe Tooth Decay
Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in your mouth create acid that attacks your teeth’s enamel. Some severe cases of tooth decay can happen below the gum line, leaving the little healthy surface area to work with. Therefore, we may need to perform crown lengthening surgery to make room for the crown.
Broken Teeth
Similar to tooth decay, broken teeth often leave insufficient space for a crown, making crown lengthening surgery necessary. In this case, we would move the gums to expose the damaged tooth and allow us access to repair it.
What to Expect During Crown Lengthening Surgery
We understand you may worry about the process of a crown lengthening surgery, but we offer various sedative options to make the procedure as painless and stress-free as possible. Typically, the process involves the following steps:
- Temporary crown: Before the surgery, we place a temporary crown over your tooth so it stays protected until we apply the permanent one after the procedure.
- Administer anesthesia: We offer oral, IV, general, and local anesthesia options to put your comfort and safety first.
- Reshape gums: Your specialist will recontour your gums and the underlying bone around your tooth to prepare it for the permanent crown.
This procedure usually takes no more than an hour and has a short recovery time. While you should avoid hot foods and strenuous activities for the first few days, you can return to work and begin eating soft foods quickly after surgery. Full gum recovery often takes one to two weeks. We provide consistent communication to support you throughout recovery and answer all your questions.
Schedule a Consultation With a Trustworthy Specialist at Rockland Dental Specialists
Seeing your dentist for a filling or crown and finding out you need crown lengthening surgery can be overwhelming, but with the right specialist, you can have an easy, relaxing experience. At Rockland Dental Specialists, our understanding team takes every measure to meet your needs. We work with you every step of the way to develop a customized plan tailored to your condition and comfort level.
We proudly provide top-notch dental services with our state-of-the-art facilities and innovative methodologies so you can rest assured you are getting the best possible care. Using the latest technologies, like low-exposure X-rays and in-house CAT scans, we can determine if crown lengthening surgery is right for you. Our dedicated specialists strive to leave you satisfied and confident in your smile. Give us a call at (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation today.
