8221 Glades Road, Suite 4, Boca Raton, FL 33434
Preparing Your Tooth for a Successful Restoration
When you hear the word crown at the dentist, you probably think of the cap placed over a tooth to repair and protect it, and you would be correct. But there is another meaning to the word crown in dentistry. In general, crown refers to any tooth structure that sits above the gumline. The term can describe the top part of your tooth that is visible above your gums, a cap on a damaged tooth, or even the artificial tooth cemented to a titanium dental implant. At Glades Dental Group in Boca Raton, crown lengthening is a procedure that exposes more of your natural tooth so it can be properly repaired and restored.
Crown lengthening is considered an oral surgery procedure and may be performed by either the dentist or a specialist, such as an oral surgeon or a periodontist, a dentist who specializes in gum disease care. Depending on your particular situation, crown lengthening may be done on one or several teeth, based on the other tooth repairs or replacements that will follow. The procedure is simple enough that it can usually be performed right here in our office. To keep you comfortable, we administer local anesthesia to numb the area, and if you feel nervous about dental treatment, we can also discuss dental sedation to help you relax.
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What Is Crown Lengthening?
In a crown lengthening procedure, the crown being referred to is the crown portion of your natural tooth. Dental crown lengthening is when gum tissue, bone, or both are removed to expose more of a tooth, usually in order to repair it. If you have a tooth that is broken off at the gumline due to an accident or tooth decay, the dentist will need to perform a crown lengthening before repairing the tooth.
The reason is that there simply is not enough tooth structure above the gums for an artificial crown or a filling to attach to. Trying to fit a crown on such a small foundation would result in a restoration that is ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and at a higher risk of irritation, chronic inflammation, and further tooth decay and damage. It is a far better choice to remove some of the tissue around the tooth so the crown can be seated properly, giving you a comfortable, long-lasting result.
Why Crown Lengthening May Be Necessary
Crown lengthening plays an important role in making certain restorations possible. Here is why this procedure is so valuable for patients at our Boca Raton practice:
Enables Proper Restorations:
It exposes enough tooth structure to securely attach a crown or filling.
Improves Fit and Comfort:
A properly seated crown fits better and feels more comfortable.
Reduces Future Problems:
It lowers the risk of irritation, inflammation, and further decay.
Restores Damaged Teeth:
It makes it possible to repair teeth broken at or below the gumline.
Supports Long-Term Health:
A well-fitted restoration protects the tooth for years to come.
Performed Comfortably:
The procedure is done under local anesthesia, with sedation available.
What to Expect During Your Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is a straightforward procedure that our team performs with your comfort in mind. Here is a general overview of what to expect at Glades Dental Group:
Numbing the Area
We administer local anesthesia to keep the area completely numb, and dental sedation is available if you feel anxious.
01
Accessing the Tooth
The dentist makes small cuts in your gum tissue and gently pulls it away from the tooth, allowing access to the tooth root and the bone beneath.
02
Reshaping the Tissue
In many cases, a small amount of bone needs to be removed in addition to gum tissue to expose enough of the tooth.
03
Cleaning and Closing
After the bone has been reshaped, the entire area is washed and the gums are stitched back together. You will not feel any of this, as the area stays fully numb throughout.
04
Who Is a Candidate for Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening may be recommended for you if you:
- Have a tooth broken off at or near the gumline
- Have a tooth too decayed for a crown or filling to attach properly
- Need more tooth structure exposed before a restoration
- Are preparing for a dental crown, filling, or other repair
- Want to ensure a secure, comfortable fit for a future restoration
A consultation with our dentists is the best way to determine whether crown lengthening is right for you. We will evaluate your tooth and gums and explain how the procedure fits into your overall treatment plan.
Restore Your Smile with Crown Lengthening in Boca Raton
If you have a tooth that needs more structure exposed before it can be repaired, crown lengthening from Glades Dental Group can prepare it for a successful, lasting restoration. Our caring team is here to guide you through the process comfortably. Call us today at 561-883-2786 or request an appointment online to learn whether crown lengthening is right for you.
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