Crown Lengthening in Helotes
Get a Confident, Balanced Smile
If you're struggling with a "gummy" smile or small teeth, ask about crown lengthening at Cedar Springs Dental.
Crown Lengthening: What It Is
Crown lengthening is a cosmetic dental procedure that reshapes your gum tissue and, in some cases, the bone around a tooth. Removing excess gum tissue exposes more of the tooth's surface. It helps create a more balanced, proportionate smile.
Dr. Ho often uses crown lengthening to correct a "gummy" smile, where too much gum shows, or to address teeth that look too short. It can also even out uneven gum lines to make your smile more symmetrical.
Beyond cosmetic purposes, crown lengthening is sometimes necessary for restorative treatments like dental crowns or veneers, as long as there's enough tooth structure available for proper placement. Your result is a more appealing and functional smile.
How Crown Lengthening Works
Crown lengthening is a safe procedure that improves the appearance and function of your smile by getting rid of excess gum tissue and reshaping the underlying bone.
It can transform a "gummy" smile, where the gums cover too much of the teeth, or prepare teeth for restorative treatments such as crowns or veneers.
Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Evaluation
Before the procedure, Dr. Ho will comprehensively evaluate your teeth and gums to determine if crown lengthening is the right solution for your needs. During this evaluation, she will check for any underlying oral health issues and assess how much gum tissue needs to be removed.
You'll have the opportunity to discuss your goals, ask questions, and understand the full process. Dr. Ho will walk you through the steps and ensure you feel confident about the procedure. If necessary, digital imaging or X-rays may be taken to plan the best approach.
Procedure
Crown lengthening is typically performed under local anesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the process. Once the area is numb, Dr. Ho will remove the excess gum tissue to expose more of the tooth's surface.
In some cases, she may also need to remove a small amount of bone to achieve the desired results. The procedure lasts from 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of teeth involved. We’ll clean and suture the area so your gums heal correctly.
Results
The outcome of crown lengthening gives you a better-looking smile. Not only does this procedure provide visual improvements, but it also helps your self-confidence. With a more proportionate smile, you'll feel more self-assured in personal and professional settings.
Recovery
While complete healing can take up to three months, most patients can return to their regular routine within a few days. Dr. Ho will provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you manage any discomfort and ensure proper healing.
Follow her guidelines during your recovery period to avoid complications and promote quick recovery.
Crown Lengthening vs. Gum Contouring
Gum contouring is a cosmetic procedure focused on reshaping or trimming excess gum tissue to create a more even gum line. We often use it to fix a "gummy" smile, where the gums cover too much of your teeth's surface. Contouring is less invasive and usually involves only the soft tissue.
Crown lengthening involves not only eliminating excess gum tissue but also reshaping the underlying bone. That's why it's a more comprehensive option for patients needing aesthetic and functional improvements.
It’s often required to prepare teeth for restorations such as crowns or veneers, as it creates more space for these restorations to be placed appropriately. It also provides a longer-lasting solution for addressing short-looking teeth or uneven gum lines.
Is Crown Lengthening Right for You?
In some cases, crown lengthening is recommended for restorative reasons. If you need a dental crown or veneer but there isn't enough to support it, crown lengthening creates the necessary space for restoration.
Additionally, it can address hidden oral health issues, such as decay or damage below the gum line. To find out more, schedule an appointment with Dr. Ho .