Crown Lengthening Pros & Cons

Crown lengthening is a relatively simple dental surgery done primarily for cosmetic or tooth restoration purposes. Generally, gum specialists, periodontists and dentists perform this procedure. Though it is quite common these days and predominately safe, be aware of the pros and cons of undergoing this surgery before you finally decide whether it is worth going under the knife.

Crown Lengthening Overview

• Crown lengthening is carried out under local anesthesia. Small cuts or incisions are made around the teeth that need lengthening. The specialist then removes excess gum tissue and exposes the bone supporting the teeth. The contour of the gum line is realigned, which results in giving the person a natural, attractive smile. In certain cases, a tiny bit of bone may also be pulled out. Then, the professional washes the gum with salt water and stitches the cuts together.

Post Operative Care

• The surgery takes about 30 minutes, following which the patient is given a pain reliever. An ice compress can help to reduce swelling. For the next seven to 10 days, the person's diet comprises just soft food. The person is advised to take care while brushing his teeth, especially around the sutures.

  A day after the surgery, the person can get back to his normal routine and work. It may take up to three months for the healing process to complete, depending on the person's current dental health.

Crown Lengthening Pros

• Crown lengthening is a one-time surgical procedure that does not require repeated touch-ups. It gives a symmetrical smile to people who have uneven gum lines and improves overall periodontal health. This can boost the self-confidence and self-image of the individual. In addition, if the teeth look too short, this dental procedure can enhance their appearance.

  If there is fracture or tooth decay under the gum line, exposing the tooth's crown helps in treating the decay and restoring the tooth by filling the cavity or placing an artificial crown. Since more area of the teeth is exposed to flossing and brushing, the risk of developing tooth decay in the future is reduced.

Crown Lengthening Cons

• The crown lengthening procedure makes your teeth look longer. Hence, people who already have wide teeth may end up spoiling their appearance further by undergoing a crown lengthening procedure, as their teeth will end up looking too big. To avoid this, some dental practitioners simulate and show you the post-surgery result through computer imaging. However, this type of imaging is available just with some leading practitioners.