Crown lengthening is designed to extend the surface of the tooth, when there isn’t enough visible.
Crown lengthening is often used in cases where there isn’t enough surface of the tooth available for the successful application of a bridge or crown. In other cases, we may recommend it to patients with a so-called ‘gummy smile’. This is the name given for when there is more gum on show than normal.
While this treatment requires great skill and a gentle touch, it can be carried out in just one appointment. We’ll first administer a local anaesthetic, which will leave you awake and aware but unable to feel anything at the site of the treatment. We’ll then shape and contour the gum so that more of the natural tooth surface is visible. In some cases, we may also have to shave some of the bone.
We’ll go through everything with you at the time, but the area can take up to 72 hours to heal, and we recommend avoiding hot food and drinks, as well as particularly spicy or chewy food during this period. Once the local anaesthetic has worn off, you can also expect to experience some pain at the site – this is completely normal, and can usually be treated with paracetamol or ibuprofen.
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