When you are looking for less invasive procedures to enhance your smile, you have several options. One of these options is tooth lengthening by gum lift which is common if a particular tooth or teeth are shorter than they should be. By doing a crown lengthening (gum lift), it gives us the opportunity to give proper proportion to the teeth that are short. At times, we lengthen you tooth when your tooth is decayed, broken below the gum line, or has insufficient tooth structure for a veneer or crown. Crown lengthening adjusts the gum level to reveal more of the tooth so it can be beautifully enhanced.
This can happen when your tooth breaks off at the gum line. It also can happen when you have a crown or filling that falls out of your tooth and there is decay underneath. To place a filling or crown, more of your tooth would need to be exposed. This is done by removing some gum tissue or bone.
Crown lengthening is also done when you have excessive gum tissue around your upper teeth. This is what is called a “gummy smile.” To reduce the effects of a gummy smile, gum tissue is either reshaped or lifted higher in order to expose more of the natural tooth. This can be done to one tooth, to even your gum line, or to several teeth to expose a natural, broad smile.
Crown lengthening is done simply by numbing the particular teeth in question by use of local anesthetic and can be achieved in most cases with a Waterlase. The duration of the procedure will depend on the number of teeth that need treatment. Whether you have crown lengthening to improve function or esthetics, patients often receive the benefits of both: a beautiful new smile and improved periodontal health – your keys to smiling, eating and speaking with comfort and confidence.
