If you want to build up some of your teeth in order to get a fuller and more perfect smile, you may be able to have a process known as "crown lengthening" performed by your dentist, so that you can get the smile you desire. What is involved here?
Why You May Need the Process
As people age, it's not uncommon for their teeth to grind down due to normal wear and tear to such an extent that not much of the teeth is still exposed above the gum line. In order for your dentist to provide you with a new replacement crown, so that your teeth appear longer and more uniform, this deterioration needs to be addressed.
In a fairly standard surgical process, the dentist will remove some of the tissue and maybe part of the bone, which will in turn expose the teeth once more. It can also be a helpful procedure if you happen to have more than the average amount of gum tissue around your upper teeth, affecting the appearance of your smile.
The Procedure
Normally, you should get a professional tooth cleaning to get rid of any debris or tartar in the area before undertaking this procedure. The entire process is done while you are under local anaesthesia, and the surgeon will reshape the tissues in the area gradually, removing only the necessary amount of soft tissue or bone. The dentist will have taken x-rays and will know exactly what to work with and how much needs to be removed in order to achieve the goal. The procedure should not take too long but will of course depend on the complexity of the work. Once complete, the area is washed and the gums are stitched back together.
Healing Time
You should only experience mild discomfort, which is usually treatable by over-the-counter pain medicine if needed. You should stick to a soft diet for a couple of days, to let the area heal.
It is usually advisable to let the gums get better for several months before you go back in to the dentist for the final crown to be fitted. In the meantime, your dentist will fit a temporary version as needed.
What to Expect
Don't be surprised if the area is a little sensitive for a while, as the roots of the teeth may now be a little more exposed. Typically, the sensitivity will disappear over time.
Share12 December 2016
Hi! Welcome to my blog! My name is Kerry, and this blog is focused on dental fillings. It looks at the history of fillings, options for contemporary fillings, how to protect your fillings, when to replace them and much more. If you have ever had a cavity filled or if you are planning to get a tooth filled, you will find the information in this blog useful. I try to look at fillings from all angles, and I even plan to look at how to avoid fillings through proper dental hygiene and sealants. Thanks for reading, and I hope you find the info intellectually "filling."
