Crown Lengthening in Vienna, VA

Why do you need crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure that involves trimming excess gum tissue to expose more of a tooth's surface. This is often done for cosmetic reasons, although it may sometimes be medically necessary.

Here's a closer look:

• Gummy smile treatment: Do your gums look prominent when you smile? Known as excessive gingival display, a gummy smile can make your teeth look shorter even when they are of optimal size. Crown lengthening reduces excess gum tissue to reach an ideal balance between teeth and gums.
• Uneven gum line: Our periodontist can reshape an uneven gum line to achieve a well-balanced smile.
• Prep for a crown: Crown lengthening creates more space to ensure a crown or other restoration has enough room to be securely fitted.
• Restoring a damaged/decayed tooth: Sometimes decay or damage can occur beneath the gum line. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth's surface, allowing the doctor to access and repair it.
• Improve gum health: Excessive gingival display can increase susceptibility to periodontal disease. Crown lengthening may be recommended in conjunction with other periodontal treatments.

What does crown lengthening involve?

Successful gingival reshaping requires precise surgical techniques and meticulous attention to detail to achieve a natural-looking gum line. Careful planning ensures we remove only what is necessary to achieve beautiful results without compromising your gum structure.

The procedure for crown lengthening involves these simple steps:

• Making you comfortable: We use local anesthetics to numb the treatment area, ensuring a comfortable experience from start to finish.
• Reshaping: Our doctor will precisely trim the excess gum tissue to reveal more of your teeth. Sometimes, removing some bone may be necessary to optimize your results.
• Sutures: We'll clean and sanitize the area to eliminate harmful bacteria. Sometimes, sutures may be needed to protect the area from infection or injury.

Crown lengthening embodies the philosophy that minor changes can make a significant difference. It's not just about removing excessive gum tissue; it's about restoring joy and confidence in everyday life.

What can I expect after the crown lengthening procedure?

We'll provide post-op instructions to ensure you heal properly and comfortably. Some aftercare tips include:

• When you leave our office, take adequate rest for the rest of the day. Avoid strenuous activities for about 3-5 days to allow your body to heal. 
• You may experience mild pain and swelling, particularly after the anesthesia wears off. Take the prescribed pain medication and use cold compresses to manage discomfort. 
• Brush and floss your teeth as usual, but be gentle around the treated area. 
• Avoid eating until anesthesia wears off. Stick to liquids and soft foods until you heal. Avoid spicy, hot, or acidic foods.

You can resume everyday activities after 2-3 days. However, complete healing may take 2 to 3 months.