Even if your teeth are white and perfectly straight, if you have too much gum tissue, your smile can look unattractive. A gummy smile can be treated with a crown lengthening procedure in which extra tissue can be removed, and it can be completed on multiple teeth or a single tooth, depending on the extent of the problem.
If you are thinking that crown lengthening might give you the smile that you’ve always wanted, the first thing that you should do is talk to your dentist.
He may refer you to an oral surgeon for a consultation to determine if you are a candidate and to explain exactly what will happen throughout the procedure. During this first consultation, you can expect that your gums will be inspected and that photos will be taken so that an effective treatment plan can be developed. X-ray images might also be needed.
During your appointment, you’ll be able to tell your oral surgeon exactly what you hope to get from your procedure. It is important that your dentist knows exactly what your goals are and that you have a chance to have your questions about the process answered. Your initial consultation is a great time to get to know your clinician and to talk about your concerns.
In most cases of crown lengthening, some type of sedation dentistry will be used in order to keep you comfortable. This is something that you will discuss during your consult so that you can find out what options are available to you. You’ll also need to take certain steps to prepare for your sedation, and your oral surgeon will give you instructions about what to expect before the procedure and how you can best recover once the surgery has been completed.
If you are interested in crown lengthening, please contact our office today.