Crown Lengthening in Raleigh, NC

A “gummy” smile is a common cosmetic dental problem we treat at VP Dental. It’s a condition in which too much of the gums show when you smile. If you have this condition, we can help make your teeth appear longer so your smile looks more even. We offer crown lengthening in Raleigh, NC.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening, also called gum contouring, is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that exposes more of a tooth’s surface above the gum line by utilizing a laser to remove excess gum tissue. In addition to being done for aesthetic purposes, this treatment can be used to repair damaged or decayed teeth.

A crown lengthening procedure will also help expose more tooth surfaces if there is not enough remaining tooth structure to attach a dental crown. Thanks to this procedure, the crown will fit over the damaged tooth more firmly.

What Happens in Crown Lengthening?

Dr. Preston will perform crown lengthening as an outpatient operation at VP Dental. This means that you can go back home right after the procedure. She may remove any temporary crowns you may have on nearby teeth and replace them following the gum reshaping.

When you are ready, Dr. Preston will apply a local anesthetic around the tooth before the treatment. She will cut and remove gum tissues to help expose more tooth structure. She will then clean the surgical site with salt water before stitching the gums.

For further protection, she might additionally bandage the area before sewing the gums back together. You will feel some pain once the local anesthetic’s effects wear off. To help your gums heal, Dr. Preston could recommend painkillers and perhaps a specific mouthwash.

The length of a crown lengthening procedure depends on the number of teeth and how much soft tissue must be removed.

Advantages of Crown Lengthening

• Helps save a tooth – Crown lengthening aids in the healing of a broken tooth by removing excess gum tissue to make room for a dental crown.

• Improves your smile – By exposing the surface of your teeth higher than the gum line, the procedure can correct an uneven gum line or gummy smile. This will make your smile look better by balancing out the length of your teeth.

• Reduces the chance of tooth decay –  People with gummy grins have extra gum covering some of their teeth. These spaces can harbor bacteria that lead to tooth decay and are inaccessible for brushing.

• Aids a dental crown or filling treatment – For a tooth to properly bind to a dental crown, implant, or bridge, the gum line must be at the proper level. Furthermore, if there is too much gum tissue present, a filling cannot be placed or will be extremely difficult to place.

Achieve a Balanced Gum Line

VP Dental recommends crown lengthening in Raleigh, NC if you have a gummy smile or an uneven gum line. The treatment can help make your teeth appear longer and your smile look even. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Preston to discuss your cosmetic goals, and she will determine the best dental treatment for you.

Do you wish you had a bright, healthy smile? Visit VP Dental in Raleigh, North Carolina, to make that dream a reality. Call us at (919) 518-0540 today to learn more about how our experienced dental team and high-quality dental services can improve your smile and oral health!