Crown Lengthening Treatment Specialist Serving Chula Vista, San Diego CA

At 3rd Ave Complete Dental, we understand the importance of a beautiful smile. This is why we offer a range of comprehensive dental services, including crown lengthening.

Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure that our team of experienced dental professionals performs. This procedure, often executed by periodontists who specialize in gum health, involves reshaping and altering the gum and bone level to expose more of the tooth structure, thus “lengthening” the crown of the tooth.

Crown lengthening is used to correct cosmetic issues such as a “gummy smile,” where the gums cover much of the teeth, making them appear short, and an overbite that is too deep. The procedure involves making small incisions in the gum to pull it away from the teeth, exposing the root and bone. Once the adequate amount of tooth is exposed, the surgical area is washed with sterile salt water, and the gums are stitched together.

We assure you that crown lengthening is a safe and effective procedure. However, it does come with certain risks like infection and bleeding. Therefore, we ensure that our patients are well-informed about these risks and we provide detailed instructions for post-operative care to minimize discomfort and promote healing.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Dental, we offer a wide range of dental services including crown lengthening, a common and versatile dental surgical procedure. Our team of professional dentists is skilled in this technique, reshaping and exposing more of the natural tooth structure for various reasons, such as improving the overall health, function, and aesthetics of the teeth or preparing a tooth for restorative procedures such as a crown or bridge.

Crown lengthening is also used in cases where a tooth is decayed or broken below the gum line, or if there’s not enough tooth structure for a restoration. By exposing more of the tooth’s surface, our dentists can access the affected areas and provide appropriate treatment.

We understand the importance of restoring teeth that have been weakened or damaged due to trauma or injury. With crown lengthening, we can create a stronger and more stable base for the placement of a dental restoration such as a crown or bridge.

Additionally, crown lengthening can improve your oral hygiene. Overgrown gums can make brushing and flossing difficult, leading to plaque and tartar buildup. By exposing more of the tooth surface, it becomes easier to maintain good oral hygiene, reducing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.

If a dental crown or filling falls out and decay is found underneath, our dentists may perform crown lengthening to clear the decay and properly place a new filling or crown.

The aesthetic purpose is often to improve the appearance of your smile, especially if you have a gummy smile. Functionally, it can be beneficial if you have teeth with limited coronal exposure. After the procedure, the results are generally permanent, with reshaped gums and any excess tissue removed. This new gum line contour should last indefinitely, depending on your oral hygiene habits and overall dental health.

The longevity of the crown lengthening procedure depends on several factors:

Your oral hygiene practices: Regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings at our practice are crucial in maintaining the health of your gums and teeth, and preventing any gum disease or tooth decay that could potentially compromise the results of the procedure.

Type of crown lengthening performed: A flap of gum tissue is lifted and re-positioned, which tends to provide more lasting results compared to laser or electrosurgery techniques.

Your underlying dental health and anatomy: The condition of your dental health, including untreated gum disease or caries, can affect the stability of the results. The anatomy of your mouth, including the thickness and quality of the gum tissue and the presence of underlying bone support, can influence the long-term outcome.

Subsequent dental restorations: Any crowns or fillings that are placed following crown lengthening at our practice should be monitored and maintained regularly, as their condition can impact the longevity of the results.

The crown lengthening results can last for several years or even a lifetime, provided good oral hygiene is maintained and underlying dental issues are addressed. However, some patients may experience some regrowth of gum tissue over time, especially if aggressive oral hygiene practices are not followed.

At 3rd Ave Complete Dental, we provide crown lengthening, a surgical procedure designed to reveal more of the tooth’s crown for both functional and aesthetic purposes. We are pleased to share that this procedure boasts an impressive success rate of around 90 to 95%, ensuring that most of our patients experience notable enhancements in their dental health and appearance.

The success rate of crown lengthening can be influenced by various factors:

Indication: The procedure tends to have a higher success rate when done for cosmetic purposes rather than for treating periodontal disease. We carefully assess to ensure that the treatment aligns with your unique dental requirements.

Surgical Technique: Our highly trained dental surgeons employ advanced methods such as laser surgery, which greatly enhance the overall success and results of the procedure.

Patient Health: Your general health and oral hygiene are crucial factors in the success of the procedure. We carefully consider any underlying conditions, such as diabetes, that may affect the healing process.

Crown lengthening involves reshaping or recontouring dental bone, gum tissue, or both to expose more of a tooth’s surface. It’s commonly performed when a tooth needs to be fixed and there isn’t enough of the tooth protruding above the gum to support a filling or crown.

At 3rd Avenue Complete Dental, we recognize that the thought of undergoing a dental procedure like crown lengthening can be intimidating. To ease your concerns, we strive to make the experience as clear and comfortable as possible, ensuring you are fully informed every step of the way—before, during, and after the procedure.

Following the procedure at our facility, it’s normal to experience minor swelling, bruising, discomfort, and sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures. Our skilled dental professionals will prescribe pain relievers and antibiotics to manage any discomfort and minimize the risk of infection.

After about three months, the gums should be completely healed, and we can proceed with placing the final crown or other restorative dentistry procedures at our practice, depending on individual cases and healing response.

Several factors can affect your recovery, which our team takes into account when planning your treatment and post-operative care. Our team will provide you with detailed instructions and tips to ensure a successful recovery from your crown-lengthening surgery.

Remember, we are committed to providing comprehensive dental care in a comfortable and patient-focused environment. We walk with you every step of the way through your dental procedures and recovery. For more information Contact us, or request an appointment online today! We are located at 3330 3rd Avenue Suite 302 San Diego, CA 92103. We serve patients from San Diego CA, Chula Vista CA, National City CA, Lemon Grove CA, El Cajon CA, La Mesa CA, and surrounding areas.