Brilliant, Full Smiles with

Crown Lengthening

for a Healthy Smile in Savage and the Greater Minneapolis Metro

Gummy Smile Crown Lengthening

Occasionally, damage to a tooth can be difficult to reach, especially when the damage or decay occurs below the gum line. When this occurs, your dentist may opt to perform a crown lengthening, which involves exposing more tooth area above the gum line, which then gives the appearance that the crown is larger than it was. In making this space, your dentist will better be able to repair the damage that has occurred below the gum line.

At Cherrywood Dental Care, there is nothing we love more than watching our patients discover a brilliant new smile. If you are scheduled to have this procedure and have any questions concerning it, please contact our staff who will be happy to answer your questions. Our clinic is proud to provide the comprehensive care you need to improve your dental health and is committed to returning even the most damaged mouths back to full health.

Book An Appointment

Call Cherrywood Dental Care

(952) 440-9303

Do I need Crown Lengthening?

There are several dental procedures that would require your dentist to perform a crown lengthening, which include:

Cavities
Dental Crowns
Gummy Smile
Tooth Restoration

Expectations

A crown lengthening procedure will be suggested if, after checking damage to your tooth or teeth, your dentist determines they cannot repair the damage with the current state of the gum line. The length of the procedure varies on the amount of damage that needs to be repaired, how many teeth need to be repaired, whether bone needs to be removed, and other factors.

Your dentist will often provide a local anesthetic prior to this procedure to help alleviate any pain or anxiety. Once the anesthetic has begun to work, your dentist will begin making incisions in the soft tissue, which will allow them to separate the gums from the teeth. This will provide them with access to the underlying bone and the roots. Although there may only be damage to one tooth, it is not uncommon for your dentist to also reshape surrounding teeth to ensure the reshaping is even. Though not common, there are instances where your dentist will also need to remove bone from around the teeth, which they will do using special instruments designed for this procedure.

Once your procedure is complete, your dentist will use specialized bandages to prevent infection. Pain medication may also be prescribed following the procedure to help alleviate any pain you may experience.

Aftercare

Following your crown lengthening, it is not unusual to have increased sensitivity and slight swelling. For the first 48 hours, you may use ice packs to help reduce the swelling. After this period of time, you can begin using moist heat.

It is a good idea to follow a soft food diet following the procedure, and do your best to avoid chewing in the surgical area or areas. Also, avoid hard, spicy, acidic or brittle foods, and stick instead to foods like pasta, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soups, etc. Also, avoid alcohol until after your post-operative appointment, and avoid smoking for at least 7-14 days following your surgery.

Once you have fully recovered from this procedure, you will not have to restrict your diet or eating habits to maintain procedure, however it is important to continue practicing good dental hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth at least twice daily and continue scheduling dentist appointments every six months. Remember: If you continue to take good care of your teeth, your teeth will continue to take good care of you!

Associated Costs

Like most dental procedures, what is covered by your insurance depends on your individual insurance plan. Still, most insurance plans cover crown lengthening procedures. Keep in mind that your insurance plan may not cover 100% of the costs, so be prepared to pay some of the costs out of pocket. If you do not currently have dental coverage or would like to discuss payment options, please contact our staff to see what opportunities may be available.

High Quality Care You Can Trust

Undergoing any dental procedure can be a nerve wracking experience, but finding a dentist that understands your needs can make all the difference in the world. At Cherrywood Dental, we are committed to providing you with top notch care using state-of-the art technology. If you would like to meet our team, take a tour of our facilities, or discuss the crown lengthening procedure with our knowledgeable staff, please let us know. Our team is here to ensure that all your dental needs are met.

Contact Cherrywood Dental Care

Having a crown lengthening procedure can significantly impact and improve the lives of those with damaged teeth. Scheduling an appointment for crown lengthening is the first step towards being confident in your smile once again. We are here to help you begin your journey towards the perfect smile! Please contact us to set up an appointment for crown lengthening at (952) 440-9303.

At Cherrywood Dental, we are passionate about your smile and committed to providing you with the quality care you need in Savage and the Greater Minneapolis Metro!