Crown Lengthening in Gainesville, GA

A "gummy smile" can mean much for your oral health than just a cosmetic flaw. When you have a tooth that has too much gum covering the enamel, you may need to have crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth. Why? Mainly, we use crown lengthening at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. to accommodate a crown, bridge, filling, or any other restoration that needs the surface of the whole tooth to be visible. If left untreated, the gumline can look inflamed all the time and put you at a higher risk for periodontal disease issue later on. To get more information, schedule an appointment at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. in Gainesville, GA.

Candidates for crown lengthening are in good overall health, particularly with regard to the gums. Conditions such as gum (periodontal) disease will have to be addressed before crown lengthening can be done. Most likely, crown lengthening will be performed for aesthetic reasons to fix a "gummy" smile. In such circumstances, excessive gum tissue can be eliminated to balance the proportion of visible enamel to gums and give you a higher, more even gumline. However, crown lengthening may also be required to complete your dental restoration. Dr. Toms might need to uncover more of your tooth in order to put a bridge, crown, or filling.

Before the procedure starts, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the treated regions to make the process more comfortable. You can talk about other sedation options with Dr. Toms during your initial consultation to help you stay comfortable and calm throughout the procedure. After you are ready, a small amount of the gum tissue will be removed at a time to slowly show more of your enamel, and then your gumline will be sculpted for a lifted and even look. When Dr. Toms has finished the procedure, he will seal the gum tissue closed. Sedation will be stopped at the end of your treatment.

Following your treatment, your gums may be sore and inflamed. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers can be utilized to minimize your discomfort, but Dr. Toms can write a prescription for antibiotics and/or pain medication. It can be easier to follow a soft food or liquid diet for several days while your gums heal. You ought to carefully clean your mouth with soft brushing and mouthwash, but avoid dental floss. In some cases, you might need to schedule another appointment at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. to track your recovery. Dr. Toms will also always assess your gums and oral health at your yearly dental examination.

The cost for crown lengthening will differ based on why it is being performed. Dental insurance companies might cover a part of the expense in certain situations, but they might not. In any case, our financial staff will get in touch with your insurer to ascertain what your personal expenses will be prior to discussing your choices for payment. If you do not have insurance, Dr. Toms can help estimate your expenses during your consultation and also provide you more info on low-interest medical financing through CareCredit®, which can help to make your treatment easier on your budget.

To transform your smile or restore your mouth, find out more information on crown lengthening treatments at Patrick B. Toms, D.M.D. By eliminating gum tissue, you can enhance the appearance of a gummy smile or prep your mouth for a dental restoration. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Toms to determine if you're a candidate for restorative or cosmetic crown lengthening treatments at our office in Gainesville, GA.