Crown lengthening is a versatile treatment that can be used for both cosmetic and dental health issues. It can be used to treat smiles that are overshadowed by excess gum tissue or teeth that have suffered extensive damage or that are at risk of damage. Our Northridge crown lengthening expert can help you determine if you are a candidate for the procedure.
You may benefit from a crown lengthening procedure if you have a gummy smile, have a severely damaged tooth that would benefit from a porcelain crown or have certain other dental health issues. If you and our expert in crown lengthening in Northridge determine that you could benefit from crown lengthening, you may begin with dental X-rays and other images as well as a dental exam to identify the underlying structures and any potentially problematic dental health issues.
During a crown lengthening procedure, our Northridge crown lengthening expert will make adjustments to the gum tissue around the affected tooth. This exposes more of the tooth and can allow for the placement of a dental crown or other restoration. If the procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, the gumline will be adjusted and contoured to allow for a balanced, attractive-looking smile.
Our expert in crown lengthening in Northridge can complete a crown lengthening procedure in about an hour depending on the number of teeth being treated. We will provide you with specific after-care instructions that can reduce your risk of discomfort or complications. Maintaining good dental hygiene while cleaning gently around the treated gum tissue can promote healing.
While crown lengthening can often be a cosmetic procedure, it can also help improve your dental health. Because teeth with excessive gum tissue can be harder to keep clean, some patients may be at an increased risk of developing tooth decay and other dental health issues below the gumline. Removing the excess tissue can make teeth easier to keep clean.
Once your crown lengthening procedure is complete, good dental hygiene combined with regular dental checkups and recommended treatments can help your smile stay strong and healthy. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a consultation with our Northridge dentist.