What is a crown lengthening procedure?

 

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth beneath the gum. Dental surgeons recontour the gum tissue, and even sometimes the bone, to expose more of the tooth’s surface for a crown. This is a fairly common procedure and only takes about an hour to complete. There are a few main reasons for the procedure, which include but are not limited to:

 

 

  1. To allow space for a dental crown: The most common reason for crown lengthening is to support a crown. If your tooth is weak, damaged, or even chipped, the quick procedure can solve that issue. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap. If your tooth isn’t long enough to support that cap, your gums may need to be lifted back to expose more of the tooth.
  2. To minimize an excessive gingival display, “gummy smile”: This procedure can also be done for cosmetic reasons, such as limiting an excessive gingival or “gummy smile.” This is when someone has a large amount of gum tissue on top of their teeth that appears when smiling. If you can relate to this, reach out to your dentist; you might be a great candidate for the procedure.
  3. To manage or prevent tooth decay: When a tooth has excessive decay or a fracture that goes below the gumline, the crown lengthening procedure may be necessary to expose the area and treat it. Once the gums are pulled back, this allows for more comfort and hygiene.

 

 

Crown Lengthening: Step by Step

 

  1. Planning and Evaluation: Your dentist or surgeon will assess the tooth and the area around it to determine if the procedure is necessary and, if so, how much gum to remove, or bone if needed. They will likely take an X-Ray or scans to make a treatment plan.
  2. Anaesthesia: At the beginning of the procedure, you will be given local anaesthesia to numb the area around the tooth. If you are extremely nervous, we recommend talking to your dentist about other sedation options.
  3. Tissue Removal: The surgeon will create very small incisions to extract the gum from the tooth. This is quick, no more than an hour per tooth.
  4. Stitching and Cleaning: Once the bone and gums have been reshaped, the gums will be sewn into place, and the area will be cleaned.
  5. Post Procedure: The dentist may prescribe you pain relievers or a mouth rinse to help with recovery, and you will likely be recommended to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol in intervals.

 

 

Cost Estimate:

 

The cost of a crown lengthening procedure depends on multiple factors, beginning with how many teeth are involved. In most cases, it will cost between $500-$2,000 per tooth. In many cases, if one tooth needs work, it is likely the teeth on both sides might require reshaping as well. Another factor that affects the cost is the extent of the procedure. Some procedures may only involve reshaping of the gums, while others might require reshaping of the tooth. The more advanced the procedure, the more costly it will be due to the time and skill necessary. Another common factor is the type of anaesthesia. Oftentimes, a crown lengthening procedure is done under local anaesthesia, but if the patient requires general anaesthesia, that will increase the cost. If you have dental insurance and need the procedure for tooth restoration, they may help you with all or a portion of the cost and come up with a payment plan. If the procedure is for cosmetic reasons, your insurance is likely to cover much less than if it’s for dental health reasons.

 

 

Related Article: How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?