At the facilities of Dr. Suzanne Caudry, we believe in giving people the smiles they want. Our commitment to improved smile design sees us undertaking a wide variety of procedures. One of the most popular procedures is dental crown lengthening.

What is it about crown lengthening that makes it the procedure of choice for so many patients and cosmetic dentists? What does the procedure entail? Is there a lengthy recovery period, or does life return to normal shortly after lengthening the crowns? We are here to answer all of these questions and more.

Keep reading to learn the ins-and-outs of clinical crown lengthening. If any questions arise, feel free to call or e-mail the Dr. Caudry team. Our phone number is (416) 928-3444.

What Is Dental Crown Lengthening?

There are those of us who wish their gum-to-tooth ratio was a little more ideal. Some wish to have a less "gummy" smile. They wish that they could smile without feeling self-conscious about how small their teeth seem to be. For those people-and rest assured, there are many-crown lengthening is the fastest, safest, and most effective route to the idyllic, picture-perfect smile.

The crown lengthening procedure involves re-shaping the teeth (referred to as the crown) and the gums to give your smile the best possible appearance.

Re-shaping the Gum Tissue

In a lot of cases, periodontists such as ourselves wind up removing some of the gum tissue that is making your teeth look so small. This might sound a little peculiar-after all, don't we need our gum tissue? Well, the answer is, yes, we do. That said, some people simply have more gum tissue than they need.

The excess gum tissue is what gives the appearance of tiny teeth. By ridding one or several teeth of this excess tissue in a skillful manner, we can give you a gum-line that suits your teeth and overall smile.

More than Just Cosmetic

There are many benefits to crown lengthening-and they are not just cosmetic, either. Many people are introduced to crown lengthening after their periodontal disease has caused much oral trauma and tooth decay. Crown lengthening procedures can prepare the impacted areas for future restoration procedures, such as the placement of a natural-looking crown.

Decrease the Risk of Future Troubles

Did you know that crown lengthening can also add more space between the jawbone and a new dental crown? It is true. This can help spare the gum tissue from any potential damage and wear and tear in the future.

Added Comfort

Another benefit that often goes overlooked has to do with overall comfort. As you might know, a "gummy" smile can lead to quite a bit of discomfort and irritation. It can be hard to keep the toothbrush's bristles away from the gum line, making for red, irritated gums. Flossing can be quite a challenge, too. By reducing the excess gum tissue, though, you can conduct daily activities without worry of irritation or bleeding.

Now that we have covered the benefits and the basics, let us dive into the particulars of the crown lengthening process. What does the process itself entail? What should you expect from the recovery period? Read on!

Your Crown Lengthening Procedure

The surgical processes begin with your periodontist making small incisions in the soft tissue. These incisions separate the gums from the teeth, allowing for the placement of the restorative dental crown.

In some cases, simply removing small portions of the gum tissue will be enough for the periodontist to place the restorative crown. In other cases, however, one might need to remove bone tissue.

Planning Is Everything

In order to give you lasting results that promise health and happiness, we need to plan out the crown lengthening procedure.

Professionals like those found at our cosmetic dentistry facility invest a lot in the planning process. During the planning phases and consultations, we will determine exactly what needs to be done. We will have every phase, every step, and every incision planned out.

Approaches like these ensure success. That is why professionals such as ourselves embrace them. Only work with the team that lets you get a glimpse at your future smile.

Comfort Is a Priority

The most celebrated periodontists are those that prioritize the comfort of their patients. At Dr. Suzanne Caudry's facility, we take every precaution necessary to ensure optimal comfort at every stage of the lengthening procedure.

With the help of localized anesthesia, you'll only feel minimal discomfort during the procedure. If at any time you require further anesthesia, do not hesitate to let us know. Our goal is to tailor the experience to your needs. Sedation and anesthesia can be adjusted at any point during the procedure.

How Long Does It Take?

Most crown lengthening procedures only take one hour to two hours, but that does not account for the placement of sutures and the subsequent recovery period. Though you will be able to walk out of the dentist's office that same afternoon, you will need to visit your oral surgeon once again in 1-2 weeks to monitor the recovery process.

If you are looking to undergo further restorative procedures or introduce dental crowns to your teeth, you will probably be advised to wait for six weeks. After the six-week period, your teeth and gums should be strong enough for further surgeries and procedures.

Learn More About Crown Lengthening

Do you have more questions about crown lengthening? Are you eager to find out if you are a candidate for such a procedure? Whatever your questions or concerns, we invite you to contact us. With us overseeing the health and maintenance of your teeth and gums you won't have anything to worry about. Call our office at (416) 928-3444.