Oral and maxillofacial surgeons can perform crown lengthening procedures to correct a gummy smile or prepare the mouth for tooth restoration or certain cosmetic procedures. While many patients have never heard of a crown lengthening procedure, it is a commonly performed treatment option for reshaping or recontouring bone or gum tissue in the mouth and can have a dramatic impact on the aesthetic appearance of the face and smile.

Why do I need crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening can be utilized to prepare patients for a variety of procedures and correct cosmetic disharmonies of the mouth. Some of the most commonly practiced procedures for which crown lengthening may be recommended include

• Restoration of Damaged Teeth
  Teeth that have experienced severe damage from periodontal disease or are broken beneath the gum line may need to undergo crown lengthening to prepare the area for a new restoration to correct the damage.
• Cosmetic Upgrades
  It is not uncommon for people to have extra gum tissue that covers the teeth and makes them look unnaturally short, giving them a gummy smile and increasing their susceptibility to periodontal infections. Removal of this excess gum tissue can restore a balanced, healthy look and thus improve the aesthetic appearance of the smile.
• Dental Crowns
  Crown lengthening serves to provide more space between the supporting jaw bone and dental crown. This prevents the new crown from damaging gum tissues and bone once it is in place.

What does crown lengthening involve?

Crown lengthening is normally performed under local anesthesia, which is an anesthetic that is applied directly to the surgical area. A variety of factors will play a role in the length of the procedure:

• The number of teeth involved
• Whether or not bone removal is also necessary
• The presence and number of existing dental crowns that will be removed before the procedure and replaced immediately afterward

During the procedure, the oral surgeon will carefully make small incisions around the gum tissue of the affected teeth which provides access to the roots and bone of the upper and lower jaw. Sometimes this requires the reshaping of the gums on neighboring teeth as well. The surgeon then removes any infection present in the mouth and sutures the gum tissue into its new permanent position.

One of the most rewarding aspects of this procedure is that the patient can see an immediate aesthetic change to their mouth and smile. Dr. Mogyoros is a board-certified oral surgeon and has received extensive hands-on training to restore the mouth to its original healthy, functioning state and restore facial aesthetics. If you are in need of a crown lengthening procedure, please contact us at Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery for an initial consultation. Our skilled staff will do everything in their power to provide you with a comfortable and smooth experience in our office from start to finish.

Where can I get crown lengthening near Philadelphia?

The surgeons at Greater Philadelphia Oral Surgery located in Elkins Park, PA, are specialists in performing oral and maxillofacial procedures and treatments, including crown lengthening. Dr. Mogyoros services the entire greater Philadelphia area, including Bucks and Montgomery Counties.