Is excess gum tissue making your teeth appear short or “stubby”? Swenson Periodontics offers expert crown lengthening in Las Vegas to improve your smile’s aesthetics and facilitate necessary restorative dental work.

A common cosmetic concern for many individuals is a “gummy smile,” where a disproportionate amount of gum tissue covers the teeth, making them look shorter than they actually are. Beyond aesthetics, sometimes there isn’t enough exposed tooth structure for a dentist to properly place a crown or filling, especially if a tooth is broken near the gumline.

At Swenson Periodontics, Dr. Dane Swenson performs crown lengthening, a precise and versatile periodontal procedure designed to reshape gum tissue and, if necessary, underlying bone, to expose more of a tooth’s natural crown.

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What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that involves carefully removing a small amount of gum tissue and/or bone around the tooth or teeth. This process repositions the gumline to a more ideal position, revealing more of the tooth structure. The goal is to create a longer, more symmetrical, and aesthetically pleasing tooth appearance or to provide sufficient tooth surface for dental restorations.

When is Crown Lengthening Needed?

Crown lengthening is a versatile procedure performed for both cosmetic and functional reasons:

  • Cosmetic Improvement of a “Gummy Smile”: This is a primary reason for crown lengthening. If you feel your teeth look too short or that your smile shows too much gum, this procedure can sculpt a more balanced and attractive gumline, making your teeth appear longer and more proportionate.
  • To Facilitate Restorative Dental Work:
    • Broken or Fractured Teeth: If a tooth is broken at or below the gumline, there might not be enough tooth structure to hold a crown or filling securely. Crown lengthening exposes more of the healthy tooth, providing a solid foundation for the restoration.
    • Deep Decay: Similarly, if decay extends below the gumline, crown lengthening allows your general dentist to access and remove the decay completely before placing a filling or crown.
    • Insufficient Tooth Structure for a Crown: Sometimes, a tooth may simply not have enough surface area above the gumline to properly support a new dental crown, leading to a loose or failing restoration. Crown lengthening creates the necessary clinical crown height.
  • To Correct an Uneven Gumline: Crown lengthening can also be used to create a more even and harmonious gumline across several teeth, enhancing overall smile symmetry.

The Crown Lengthening Procedure:

Performed comfortably under local anesthesia in our Las Vegas office, Dr. Swenson carefully removes and reshapes excess gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone around the affected tooth or teeth. The gums are then repositioned and allowed to heal. We provide detailed post-operative instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening:

  • Enhanced Smile Aesthetics: Transforms a “gummy smile” into one that showcases your natural teeth more effectively, improving your confidence.
  • Improved Oral Hygiene: When more tooth structure is exposed, it becomes easier to clean effectively, reducing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease.
  • Successful & Durable Restorations: Provides the necessary foundation for your general dentist to place strong, long-lasting crowns, bridges, or fillings.
  • Balanced & Symmetrical Gumline: Creates a more harmonious and appealing appearance of your teeth and gums.

If you’re looking to improve the aesthetics of your smile or have been told you need more tooth structure for a dental restoration, contact Swenson Periodontics in Las Vegas for a consultation. Dr. Swenson can determine if crown lengthening is the right solution for you.