A “gummy” smile is one in which your teeth are covered by excess gum tissue, often leading to your teeth appearing short. This can impact your confidence, and therefore cause you to hide your teeth, either by smiling with your mouth closed or laughing behind your hand.
You shouldn’t have to worry about covering your mouth every time you want to express your joy. You should be proud of your smile. Crown lengthening can help to give you your smile back.
What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that is performed with the goal of making your teeth appear longer. Your dentist removes excess gum tissue, as well as possibly some bone, and sculpts the gum line to provide you an even, more natural smile.
Reasons For Crown Lengthening
One of the most common reasons for a crown lengthening procedure is cosmetic. Your smile is imperfect, your teeth appear short due to excess gum tissue. Your gum line may be uneven, which in turn, makes your teeth appear uneven. By removing that excess tissue, your smile is restored one that is both natural and beautiful. Other reasons for crown lengthening include:
• Dental crowns: Crown lengthening allows for more space between the restoration and the jawbone, and prevents potential damage to sensitive gum tissue.
• Fixing damaged teeth: If your teeth have suffered damage below the gum line, crown lengthening prepares the area for its new restoration.
How Is It Done?
As a surgical procedure, crown lengthening requires the use of a local anesthetic. Your dentist makes incisions around the gums, which allows for the separation of the gums from the teeth. Excess gum tissue is removed. In some cases, small amounts of bone may also be removed. Once done, the area is cleaned, disinfected and stitched closed.
The amount of time required to complete the procedure depends upon your circumstances. Healing after can take up to three months, and your dentist will provide you a set of specific instructions to follow during this time, helping you to care for your new smile.
If you are bothered by a gummy smile, you may be a candidate for crown lengthening. Contact our office to learn more.