When you see your smile in the mirror, do you feel like there’s too much gum tissue visible? If so, you may want to think about having crown lengthening performed. Of course, before you move forward with any sort of treatment, you’ll want to confirm that it is truly a good fit for you. Here’s a closer look at crown lengthening and what can make someone a candidate for it.
What Exactly is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure where unnecessary gum tissue is carefully removed from specific parts of your mouth. This creates a more balanced gumline, and it reveals more of the tooth structure that was previously hidden by the gums. The exact length of a crown lengthening procedure can vary depending on the number of teeth involved.
What Makes Someone a Good Candidate for Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is typically performed to address specific aesthetic issues involving the gums. It is often recommended for those with a gummy smile; this is when an excessive amount of gum tissue can be seen whenever you pull back your lips to show off your teeth. In many cases, excess gum tissue can make the teeth look shorter and stubbier than they should. With crown lengthening, the unneeded tissue can be removed to create a more balanced smile.
Bear in mind that in order to qualify for crown lengthening, you need to be in good oral health overall. If you currently have gum disease or another type of dental issue, it will need to be properly treated before you can move forward with the crown lengthening process.
Ultimately, the only way to know for sure whether crown lengthening is right for you is to speak to your periodontist. Once they have performed a thorough examination of your mouth, they can point you toward an appropriate form of treatment that can help you achieve your smile goals.
What are the Benefits of Crown Lengthening?
If you’re a candidate for crown lengthening, there are several reasons why it may be worth pursuing. For one thing, it can significantly improve the appearance of your smile. This can end up giving your confidence a boost and help you feel better about yourself in general. On top of that, there can be oral health advantages as well; getting rid of excess gum tissue can make it easier to clean around your teeth, thereby lowering your risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease.
Do you think crown lengthening might be a good fit for you? If so, you should make an appointment with your periodontist; they can discuss your candidacy for your treatment in more detail and help you make the choice that’s right for you.
About the Author
Dr. David Handsman went to the University of Tennessee, which is where he earned his Masters of Dental Surgery in periodontology. He is a well-respected member of the periodontal community who has earned Diplomate status with the American Board of Periodontology. At Handsman & Haddad Periodontics in Worcester, his diverse menu of periodontal services includes crown lengthening for gummy smiles. If you’re interested in crown lengthening, you can schedule an appointment with Dr. Handsman by visiting his website or calling (508) 753-5444.
