A local anesthetic is typically used during crown lengthening procedures. The length of time required for this surgery is mostly determined by the number of teeth affected and whether a little bit of bone must be removed in addition to the soft tissue. Dental crowns that already exist will be taken out before the treatment and replaced right after.

To pull the gums away from the teeth, our periodontist will make a series of tiny incisions all around the soft tissue. Neighboring teeth are typically treated to give a more equal shape, even if only one tooth has to be recontoured. Our periodontist can reach the underlying bone and the teeth’s roots by separating the gums.

It may be possible to install a crown on a tooth in some circumstances with just a minimal amount of tissue excision. Other times, the periodontist will also have to remove a little bit of bone from the area surrounding the teeth. A mix of rotary and specialized hand devices are often used to remove the bone. The rotary devices are similar to the drills used in cavity repair.

As a result of the gums being relocated, the teeth will appear noticeably longer right away after surgery.

An intraoral (periodontal) bandage will be used by the periodontist to protect the surgical site from infection. In addition to painkiller prescriptions, chlorhexidine mouthwash may be recommended to assist prevent germs from trying to reoccupy. In around two to three months, the surgical site will be fully recovered.

Please call our office to set up an appointment with Dr. Elliott Weidman if you have any questions regarding crown lengthening.