Enhance Your Smile with Crown Lengthening at Portal Dental Pasadena
Are you looking to make your smile more appealing or prepare your mouth for restorative procedures? At Portal Dental Pasadena, we specialize in Crown Lengthening procedures to bolster the health of your gums and improve your smile’s aesthetics.
What Exactly is Crown Lengthening?
Crown Lengthening is an oral surgical technique conducted by our skilled periodontist to reveal a larger portion of your tooth. The process is often recommended when an excessive amount of gum tissue veils a substantial part of your teeth or even the underlying bone.
In the Crown Lengthening procedure at Portal Dental Pasadena, we meticulously eliminate gum tissue and potentially bone around your tooth to expose more of it. The treatment can target a single tooth, multiple teeth, or the entire gum line depending on your needs.
Why Consider Crown Lengthening?
The primary objective of Crown Lengthening is to beautify your gum line by revealing more of your teeth. However, there are several other crucial reasons to consider this procedure:
- Restoring Damaged Teeth: Conditions like periodontal disease, decay, or trauma can severely affect your teeth. Crown Lengthening helps restore and repair teeth that are significantly decayed, fractured, or broken below the gum line by adjusting the gum and bone levels for easier access to the damaged tooth.
- Reduced Risk of Tooth Decay: Excessive gum tissue can make your teeth appear shorter and also make you prone to periodontal infections. Removal of this tissue creates a harmonious balance between your teeth and gums, subsequently reducing your risk of tooth decay.
- Support for Dental Restorations: The Crown Lengthening process creates ample space between a dental crown and the jawbone, thereby safeguarding the gum tissue and bone from potential damage from a new crown.
Is Crown Lengthening Right for You?
Crown Lengthening could be a viable option if you find yourself in the following situations:
- Your teeth appear to be shorter due to obscured gum and bone tissue
- You’ve broken a tooth below the gum line
- Your history includes frequent tooth decay due to excessive gum tissue
- You require a dental procedure such as a filling or a crown, and the tooth in question is not easily accessible.
At Portal Dental Pasadena, our first step is a thorough oral examination and x-ray, followed by a review of your medical history. This helps us decide whether you’re an ideal candidate for Crown Lengthening.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure at Portal Dental Pasadena
When you arrive at our Pasadena office, your comfort is our top priority. We begin by administering localized anesthesia to the targeted tooth, jawbone, and surrounding tissues to ensure a pain-free experience. Our experienced periodontist then makes a series of small incisions around the gum line to expose and recontour your gum tissue. In specific instances, we may also remove some bone around the tooth’s root for optimal results.
The entire procedure typically lasts around an hour and is conducted on an outpatient basis. Depending on the complexity and number of teeth involved, the duration may vary. Whether you need Crown Lengthening for a single tooth or multiple teeth, we’ll take the necessary steps to maintain a natural-looking transition between the treated and untreated areas.
Preparing for Your Crown Lengthening Procedure
Before the surgery, we’ll hold an initial consultation to discuss the necessity of Crown Lengthening and address any questions or concerns you may have. Based on your medical history, we’ll provide medication guidelines—what to take and what to avoid. We may also fit you with a temporary crown as a protective measure and to facilitate the procedure.
Recovery and Aftercare
Recovery from Crown Lengthening typically takes around three months. After the surgery, our team will offer specific post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery. Some guidelines include:
- Managing Pain and Swelling: For the first few hours post-surgery, apply ice packs in cycles of 20 minutes to minimize swelling. Our periodontist may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication, which should be taken as directed.
- Dietary Considerations: For the first few days, stick to a diet of soft foods and avoid spicy, hot, or acidic items. Ensure you drink plenty of water, but avoid using straws as it may interfere with the healing process.
- Oral Hygiene: Gentle brushing can resume around the surgical area after a specified period. We may also recommend rinsing your mouth with lukewarm salt water or an antiseptic mouthwash to assist in the healing process.
When to Contact Portal Dental Pasadena
If you experience symptoms like severe pain, excessive bleeding, or signs of an allergic reaction, it is crucial to contact us immediately for a prompt assessment and guidance.
Ready to Transform Your Smile?
Crown Lengthening is not just a cosmetic procedure; it’s a step towards better oral health and self-confidence. If you are in the Pasadena area and are considering improving your smile and dental health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Portal Dental Pasadena.
Contact Us Today to Schedule Your Crown Lengthening Consultation!