Crown Lengthening in Louisville, KY & New Albany, IN
A crown lengthening procedure entails the removal of gum tissue, bone, or both to expose more of your natural tooth. It can be done for cosmetic or therapeutic reasons. This treatment will expose more of the natural tooth, and it can be considered for several varied reasons.
Would You Benefit from Crown Lengthening?
If you do not care for the appearance of your gummy smile you may be a candidate for this treatment. An excessive amount of gum tissue or an uneven gumline can have a negative impact on your smile. PerioImplant Associates can reshape, or gum contour, your gum line to remove the excess gum tissue and increase the visual length of your teeth. Here are a few other restoration reasons for a crown lengthening:
- Your gumline extends too far along your tooth for it to accommodate the needed restorative treatment.
- A crown or filling has fallen off, and there is evidence of decay underneath.
- The tooth has broken off at the gumline.
- Your tooth structure is not strong enough to support a restoration.
Another reason a gummy smile occurs is when you have an overactive upper lip. The muscles of your mouth pull the upper lip higher than where you would like it normally. While this action does not mean you have a gummy smile, it can still give the perception of one. This can also be treated with a crown lengthening procedure.
A gummy smile can also be the result of how your jawbone developed. If your upper jawbone bulges out more than it should naturally, it will appear like a gummy smile. This may not have been initially prevented, but it can cause an improper bite alignment and affect your long-term health.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
The detail conscious team at PerioImplant Associates will first examine your smile to document the amount of your gum tissue and to identify the proportions of teeth to gum ratio during your smile. A digital or traditional impression can also be captured to clarify the specific details for each tooth. X-rays also identify the condition of your roots and the bones below the surface of your gums. This examination is essential to protect your oral health and you confirm that you have adequate healthy jawbone and tooth roots for the procedure to be conducted. We have found that detailed planning delivers favorable results.
PerioImplant Associates will next perform your crown lengthening after we administer a local anesthetic or an additional dental sedation if beneficial. The actual length of time necessary for your crown lengthening procedure will depend on the number of teeth being addressed and whether any bone needs to be reshaped. It can also vary on whether we use a dental laser for the treatment or a surgical scalpel. After we have reached an aesthetically pleasing crown length and gumline, the treated area is cleaned, restored, and the procedure is completed.
If laser therapy is used, it is pointed directly at the excess gums to be removed. The laser will not produce any heat or vibration, making it an easy, painless, and comfortable treatment. The laser will also seal any affected blood vessels immediately resulting in less bleeding and swelling. If we use a surgical scalpel, sutures are used to close the tissue around the tooth, and a band-aid material is placed around the tooth to allow the tissue to heal.
Contact Our Practice Today
Our goal is to get you back to smiling and chewing with confidence. With our qualified staff and compassionate team, we will listen to your questions and desires to find the best solution for your dental health.
Crown Lengthening Aftercare
Crown lengthening recovery may take a few days after a laser treatment and up to a few months for a more extensive procedure. You will begin by eating soft foods and return to work the day after your crown lengthening procedure. You should avoid any strenuous physical activity for two to three days.
During your crown lengthening recovery, PerioImplant Associates will provide you with detailed instructions on how to treat your surgery site. After the anesthesia wears off, you may feel some slight discomfort and we may prescribe pain relievers and a specialized chlorhexidine mouth rinse, based on the intensity of your procedure. You will be advised to follow a soft diet for a few days to allow for proper healing. You can use an ice pack at first, if necessary, and to avoid hot foods and monitor the dressing if included. We will also advise you on brushing and flossing during your healing period.
Crown Lengthening Treatment Costs
The cost of your crown lengthening will depend on your specific situation and your treatment plan. We will discuss with you the cost of your treatment, your dental insurance coverage, and available payment options before we begin, so you can make the best choice for your situation.
Our Specialists Tell Our Story Best
Ramsey Burton, DMD
Dr. Ramsey Burton is originally from Nashville, TN. He received both his undergraduate and doctorate degrees from the University of Louisville. Following dental school, he completed periodontal specialty training at the University of Kentucky.
Courtney Shearer, DMD, MS
Dr. Courtney Shearer was born and raised in Louisville, KY. She attended Washington and Lee University for her undergraduate degree. She then attended the University of Louisville School of Dentistry where she received her Doctorate in Dentistry.
Jodie Lusby, DMD, MSD
Dr. Jodie Lusby is a Board Certified Periodontist and grew up in Florence, KY. He attended the University of Kentucky where he received his biology degree and graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended the Louisville School of Dentistry.
A Warm and Caring Welcome to Our Practice
Our entire team at PerioImplant Associates has one primary focal point, and that is to serve you. It can be very natural for you to be anxious or apprehensive about visiting a general dentist, or even a dental specialist such as a periodontist. Embracing that, we will always take our time in explaining the benefits of the procedure that is being proposed for your dental health. Both offices, Louisville, KY, and New Albany, IN, are completely trained to address all your issues and concerns. We will share the aspects of periodontal treatment, introduce our staff, and explain any necessary general office policies. Call us today about an evaluation for a crown lengthening procedure for you. Each of our troupe will greet you with a smile and send you home with a healthy smile of your own that you will be eager to share.