While crown lengthening’s primary function is not to treat a condition, affectionately referred to as ‘gummy smile’, the procedure can be a solution to the problem if someone is not happy with their smile due to excess gum tissue around their upper teeth.
Primarily, crown lengthening, which is a small surgical procedure performed by a periodontist, is performed when a tooth needs to be fixed. Sometimes, not enough of the tooth sticks out above the gum to support a filling or crown. This can happen when a tooth breaks off at the gum line. It also can happen when a crown or filling falls out of a tooth and there is decay underneath. But for this article, we will talk about its function to treat a ‘gummy smile’.
What is a ‘Gummy Smile’?
While this is a matter of perception, a smile can look ‘gummy’ when the proportions of teeth, gum tissues and the upper jaw are not in harmony with each other. Many people are not aware that there are options for correcting or altering the appearance of an excessively gummy smile.
The appearance of a gummy smile can be caused by a combination of:
- The amount of gum tissue display
- The size and shape of the teeth
- The length and the degree of movement of the upper lip
- The vertical position of the upper jaw and teeth in relationship to the skull
Aesthetic Crown Lengthening
In order to fix a gummy smile, Aesthetic Crown Lengthening and is performed to improve the cosmetics of the smile. In order to get a proper sense of the amount of time the procedure would take, you’d need to schedule an appointment with Dr. Richardson, to determine the cause of the appearance.
Crown lengthening is done using local anesthesia. The length of the procedure will depend on the number of teeth that need treatment. Even if only one tooth is involved, crown lengthening typically includes neighboring teeth, too. That allows the tissues to be reshaped gradually. If both bone and soft tissue need to be removed, the procedure will take longer.
The Eustis periodontist will make cuts that will pull the gums away from the teeth. This will expose the roots of the teeth and the surrounding bone. Then he will remove the amount of gum tissue necessary to give the proper aesthetic. Once the procedure is completed, sutures will be placed and weekly follow up visits will follow until healing has occurred.
To schedule an appointment with Eustis periodontist, Dr. Richardson, to talk about improving your smile, contact us today.