May 16, 2018

Do your teeth appear to be too short? Do your gums extend down over your teeth? Every smile is different and sometimes an imperfection is what makes us unique. However, if you’re embarrassed by the appearance of your mouth, you may keep from smiling altogether. If your smile is gummy, ask your periodontist in Lakeland, FL about crown lengthening.

What Is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that addresses the problem of having excess gum tissue. You may have average-length teeth that only appear short because they are partially covered by your gums. With crown lengthening, we reshape bone and gum tissue to reveal more of your tooth. The procedure can be performed on a single tooth, several teeth, or even your entire gum line. The result is a natural-looking, wide smile you’ll be proud to show off.

Why Undergo Crown Lengthening?

There are two main reasons our patients undergo the crown lengthening procedure. The first is purely cosmetic. Your smile is often the first thing people notice about you. A beautiful one can keep you from feeling self-conscious and boost your confidence. Looking good can help you feel good. The second is to make other dental procedures possible. If your tooth is broken or decayed, your dentist may want to give you a bridge or a crown. Receding the gum tissue will expose more of the tooth needing the crown, allowing for a firmer fit.

How Does the Procedure Work?

Crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure. The patient is usually given a local anesthetic to ease pain. We cut the gums away from the teeth and then suture them back together. Full recovery can take up to three months, but you’ll be able to resume most normal activities within two to three days. We recommend stocking up on soft foods for immediately after the surgery.

If you want to repair your gummy smile, Lakeland Periodontics in Lakeland, FL would love to help. Contact us for a consultation and get the smile of your dreams.

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