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800 Shroyer Rd. Dayton, OH 45419
Crown Lengthening
Oftentimes a dentist will perform a crown lengthening or shortening procedure to expose additional tooth area to repair damage below the gum line that they are otherwise unable to reach. In other cases, patients have a crown lengthening procedure performed because they are unhappy with the appearance of their smile. This can happen when teeth are covered by too much gum tissue and their smile looks “gummy”.
There are also several dental procedures that may also require a crown lengthening or shortening procedure, including restoring and repairing damaged, cracked, and broken teeth, and treating or fighting cavities. Dentists often suggest a crown lengthening or shortening procedure for patients who are having a dental crown placed, because doing so helps curb damage to the gum during the crown installation.
At John T. Green DDS Inc., we offer a wide range of services, from cosmetic to restorative dentistry. From Dayton to across the country and internationally, we welcome all patients to experience outstanding customer service and tailored treatment plans. If you are scheduled for crown lengthening, or if you would like to ask our staff any questions about this procedure or schedule an appointment, please contact us today.
The Crown Lengthening and Shortening Process
The time needed to perform a crown lengthening or shortening will be determined by a variety of factors, including the severity of the damage, whether or not any bone needs to be removed, and the number of teeth that need to be treated. In many cases, however, this procedure can be completed within one hour.
Your dentist will begin the procedure by making a series of incisions in the soft tissue at the gum line to separate the gums from the teeth. The exposed area of bones and roots are then reduced and/or contoured by removing small amounts of tissue. Surrounding teeth may also be reshaped to ensure an even overall appearance. Patients may receive a local anesthetic to reduce any discomfort they may feel during the procedure.
Following the procedure, your dentist will apply bandages to the area to help prevent any infections. Some patients may require over-the-counter pain relievers or medications to help reduce swelling and manage pain during the healing period. Most patients will experience a full recovery in one to two weeks.
Cost of Crown Lengthening & Shortening
The final cost of your procedure will be determined by a variety of factors, such as the severity of your case and what type of dental plan you are currently enrolled in. Our office does accept cash, most major credit cards, money orders, and personal checks.
If you have concerns about the extent of care required and would like to discuss alternate financial arrangements, please feel free to contact our office to discuss CareCredit. CareCredit helps patients pay for procedures and treatments that are not covered by insurance by offering low minimum monthly payments and No Interest* financing so you can get what you want, when you want it. Applying for Care Credit only takes three simple steps and can provide instant approval.
If you have any additional questions regarding payments, dental insurance coverage, or available financial options, please contact our office and we will be happy to help.
Caring for Your Mouth After Crown Lengthening
Following your crown lengthening procedure, it will not be necessary to make any significant changes to your overall dental maintenance or make any dramatic changes to your diet, but to maintain the longevity of your procedure and help assure you will not need additional oral health maintenance in the near future, it is important to practice good oral hygiene habits.
By following these best practices, you will be taking an important step to ensuring that you maintain a strong and healthy smile.
- Brush and floss at least twice daily. When you do brush your teeth, be sure to do so for at least two minutes. Many people do not spend enough time brushing, or attending to cleaning other areas of the mouth, such as the tongue. If you happen to have an aversion to flossing, talk to your dentist about flossing alternatives, such as interdental brushes or flossing picks.
- Be mindful of your diet. To maintain healthy teeth and gums, avoid eating foods high in start or drinking sugary liquids. If you do consume sugar liquids, use a straw to limit the amount of sugar that is exposed to your teeth. It is also best practice to drink water after every meal and swish water to remove deposits of food.
- Schedule visits every six months or more for those with periodontal issues. Besides practicing good oral hygiene habits and being mindful of your diet, the best thing you can do to preserve and improve your oral health is to visit your dentist or periodontist every six months. Doing so allows your dentist to perform a deep cleaning with specialty tools, monitor the status of any procedures you have had performed, and perhaps most importantly, address potential issues before they develop.
For Beautiful, Healthy Smiles, Contact Us Today!
At John T. Green DDS Inc., we believe a healthy smile is a beautiful smile, which is why we provide an array of dental treatments to cater to health as well as aesthetics. Our practice utilizes world-class labs that create customized restorations to restore the structure and beauty of your teeth. We take the time to explain and educate our patients about the importance of health care and answer any questions you may have about treatment so you can make the best decision for your smile.
With his attention-to-detail for providing high aesthetic results to restoring the health of patients’ teeth and gums, at John T. Green DDS Inc you are in experienced hands. Take your first step towards a beautiful, healthy smile today and schedule an appointment by contacting our office by phone at 937.293.3402 or fill out our online form.