What Is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a procedure performed primarily to expose more of the surface of the tooth. This procedure can be used to cosmetically enhance the appearance of a “gummy” smile or shorter teeth. Crown lengthening on the upper teeth is a treatment that allows your periodontist to even and reshape the gum tissue around your teeth creating a more symmetrical smile. Crown lengthening procedure involves the reshaping of the gum tissue and bone, if necessary, to enhance the look of shorter teeth or a gummy smile.
It can also be used to gain more surface area of a tooth that will require a restoration, providing enough of the edge in which to adequately bond a crown. If a tooth is damaged by decay or fractured and broken off beneath the gum line, a crown lengthening procedure can reduce the bone level and gum tissue in order to gain better access to the tooth. This will ensure a proper fit to the tooth and will allow you to fully brush and floss the restoration to prevent decay and gum disease. Crown lengthening is just one of the cosmetic procedures offered by our board certified periodontist, Dr. Lisa Turner.
What To Expect With Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth or many teeth depending on your needs. The crown lengthening procedure involves one appointment and is usually performed in about an hour.
Dr. Lisa Turner of Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry will examine your mouth, take any necessary x-rays and complete a health history exam to include any medications that you take that may affect the outcome of the procedure. Once your exam is complete and it is determined that crown lengthening is the appropriate treatment for you, we will be happy to schedule your appointment.
The procedure is done under local anesthetic, and if necessary, with oral sedation to ensure your comfort. A series of small incisions are made to separate the gum tissue from the tooth. The gum tissue is reshaped and then cleaned with sterile water. Stitches and a protective bandage will be placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. You will be able to notice crown lengthening effects immediately after the procedure. We will make follow up appointments at one and two weeks post procedure to make sure you are healing properly from your cosmetic procedure.
If you are interested in learning more about our cosmetic procedures, or have been referred to a periodontist for evaluation for crown lengthening, call Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry today at (941) 497-5591.
Bite Adjustment
When your bite is functioning properly, all of your teeth fit together well and bite evenly at the same time without any tooth touching before the other. With the natural shifting of teeth over time, it is not uncommon for your bite to become slightly “off” which can place undue stress on certain teeth causing wear and tear of the enamel, facial pain and TMJ (temporomandibular joint) pain. If you grind or clench your teeth at night, it can further exacerbate bite problems. Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry offers a bite adjustment procedure that can help restore the function of the bite.
Indications You May Need A Bite Adjustment
You may be experiencing minor signs or symptoms that may indicate a dysfunctional bite such as:
- Fractured, chipped teeth
- Receding gums in a certain area of the mouth
- Worsening of any periodontal disease
- Shifting teeth
- Increased spacing between teeth
- Loosening teeth
- Increasing sensitivity in your teeth
- Sore jaw joints or facial muscles
If you are experiencing any problems with your bite, you can contact Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry at (941) 497-5591 and we can examine your bite and decide if one of our cosmetic procedures is right for you.
Bite Adjustment Therapies
Often, a slight modification to the chewing surface of a tooth or teeth is all that is needed to bring the bite back into proper function. By reshaping the chewing surface of the teeth, we can reduce or even eliminate any excessive biting forces in a particular area. Additional therapies include:
- A custom bite splint or night guard can be made to keep the teeth apart and can be worn during the day and at night
- Braces can be placed to align the teeth into the proper bite
- Replacement of damaged fillings and old crowns to restore the bite function
Venice Periodontics and Implant Dentistry is dedicated to your periodontal health. If you have any questions or concerns about your bite, gum recession, or jaw joint pain, call us today at (941) 497-5591.
