Many people don’t realize how essential the gums are to the appearance of their smiles. Some patients have too much gum tissue covering their teeth, resulting in a “gummy smile.” Another cause for a gummy smile could be teeth that have worn down, making them appear short or flat. A gum lift and crown lengthening in our Plano, TX office can treat a gummy smile for a balanced look.
Periodontist Dr. Bradley Dean focuses on aesthetics and health during gum treatments. Periodontal treatments combine these aspects of care to restore the function and appearance of the smile.
What is a Gum Lift and Crown Lengthening?
Correcting a “gummy smile” is considered a cosmetic procedure. Gummy smile treatment benefits patients who are unhappy with the appearance of small teeth and excess gum tissue. A crown lengthening procedure is a non-cosmetic treatment. This treatment helps improve gum function.
Sometimes, dentists perform crown lengthening to prepare a tooth for a dental crown. Crown lengthening is beneficial if a tooth breaks off at the gum line or a filling falls out with decay underneath. A dentist must expose more of the tooth to fix these problems.
A gum lift is a cosmetic procedure that remodels the gums to remove excess gum tissue and expose more teeth. Sometimes, we must remove some of the underlying bone to help reveal more of the tooth. Dr. Dean will do this relatively simple and common surgical procedure at his Plano, TX, periodontist office.
Dr. D Bradley Dean is a periodontist in Plano, TX. He offers treatment options to improve the appearance of patients’ smiles and restore their mouths to proper health and balance.
The Gum Lift and Crown Lengthening Process in Plano, TX
If you have excess gum tissue and need professional care, you must first schedule a consultation with Dr. Dean. He will examine your oral health, medical history, and X-rays. Dr. Dean may recommend that you get your teeth cleaned before the procedure.
Your next appointment is your surgery. Dr. Dean will use local anesthesia for your comfort. The time your surgery takes will depend on how many teeth you will have treated. Even if Dr. Dean only treats one tooth, he will also treat the adjacent teeth.
That way, the gums are reshaped gradually. Surgery will take longer if Dr. Dean removes the tissue and bone. Dr. Dean will make a small incision around the soft tissue to separate the gums from the teeth. This cut will give him access to the roots and bone.
Sometimes, Dr. Dean only needs to cut away a small amount of tissue to expose enough teeth. Other times, he may need to remove a small amount of bone. After the procedure, your teeth will appear instantly longer.
If you have tooth wear due to teeth grinding or other dental problems, Dr. Dean can work with your general dentist to treat it. He may recommend restorations such as veneers, dental crowns, or tooth bonding. These treatments can change tooth length and improve tooth symmetry.
Gum Lift and Crown Lengthening Benefits
Whether performed for cosmetic reasons or to prepare for a dental restoration, a gum lift and crown lengthening offer several important benefits.
Enhances Smile Aesthetics
One of the biggest benefits of a gum lift is improving the appearance of a smile. Some people have excess gum tissue covering their teeth, leading to a “gummy” smile. This can make the teeth look short or uneven. A gum lift removes excess tissue and reshapes the gum line, revealing more of the teeth and creating a more proportionate smile. This procedure can dramatically improve confidence and self-esteem by enhancing the overall appearance of the teeth.
Improves Oral Health
Excess gum tissue can make it harder to clean along the gum line, increasing the risk of plaque buildup and gum disease. A gum lift removes extra gum tissue, making it easier to brush and floss properly. This helps prevent cavities, gum disease, and other oral health problems.
Prepares Teeth for Restorations
Crown lengthening is often performed when a tooth needs a crown, veneer, or filling but does not have enough exposed structure for the restoration to fit properly. By removing some gum tissue and, in some cases, adjusting the underlying bone, the procedure provides enough space for the restoration. This ensures that the crown or veneer fits securely and lasts longer.
Helps Treat Tooth Damage and Decay
Sometimes, a tooth breaks or develops decay below the gum line, making it difficult for a dentist to restore it. Crown lengthening helps expose more of the tooth, allowing the dentist to remove decay and place a proper restoration. Without this procedure, the tooth might not be salvageable and might require extraction.
Prevents Future Dental Issues
A gum lift and crown lengthening help prevent future dental problems by reshaping the gums and making it easier to clean the teeth. A healthier gum line reduces the risk of gum disease and cavities, contributing to long-term oral health.
Provides Long-Lasting Results
A gum lift and crown lengthening provide permanent improvements to the gum line. Once the excess gum tissue is removed, it does not grow back, meaning the results are long-lasting, allowing patients to enjoy a more attractive and healthier smile for years.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
A balanced, even gum line can make a smile look more attractive and symmetrical. Many people feel self-conscious about their gummy smile or short teeth, but a gum lift can transform their appearance. The boost in confidence from a better-looking smile can positively impact social interactions and self-image.
Aftercare
Proper aftercare is essential for healing after a gum lift or crown lengthening. Following our instructions will help prevent complications, reduce discomfort, and ensure the best results.
1. Managing Pain and Swelling
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Mild pain and swelling are normal after surgery. As directed by your periodontist, use over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
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To reduce swelling, apply an ice pack to the outside of your face for 10–15 minutes at a time during the first 24 hours.
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Keep your head elevated when resting to minimize swelling.
2. Controlling Bleeding
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Some minor bleeding may occur in the first few hours after surgery. Bite down on a piece of gauze to help control it.
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Avoid excessive spitting or rinsing, as this can disturb the healing process.
3. Eating and Drinking
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For the first few days, stick to soft foods like yogurt, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and scrambled eggs.
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Avoid hard, crunchy, or spicy foods that can irritate the gums.
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Do not drink hot beverages or use straws; these can disrupt healing.
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Stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol and carbonated drinks.
4. Oral Hygiene
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Be gentle when brushing near the treated area. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoid direct contact with the surgical site.
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Rinse with a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash or a warm saltwater solution to reduce bacteria and promote healing.
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Avoid flossing in the treated area until your dentist gives you the go-ahead.
5. Rest and Recovery
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Take it easy for the first 24–48 hours. Avoid strenuous activities and heavy lifting, as these can increase swelling and bleeding.
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Get plenty of rest and allow your body to heal.
6. Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
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Smoking slows down healing and increases the risk of infection. Avoid smoking for at least a week after the procedure.
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Alcohol can interfere with healing and medication effectiveness, so it’s best to avoid it during recovery.
7. Watch for Signs of Complications
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While some discomfort is normal, contact us if you experience severe pain, excessive bleeding, signs of infection (such as pus or fever), or if stitches come loose too soon.
8. Follow-Up Appointments
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Attend all scheduled follow-up visits so we can monitor your healing progress.
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If you have stitches, Dr. Dean will check if they need to be removed or if they will dissolve independently.
Gum Lift and Crown Lengthening FAQs
Learn more about gum lift and crown lengthening in our Plano office with answers to these common questions:
How long does it take for gums to heal after crown lengthening?
The stitches will last for about 7 to 10 days. After this time, the stitches will fall out, or we will remove them. The next step is for the gums to heal, which takes around three months. It’s crucial to hold off on any additional work until the gums have fully recovered.
How painful is the crown lengthening recovery?
Post-operative pain will go away within a week, although some patients report sensitivity to heat and cold in the weeks following the procedure. The sensitivity to heat and cold will gradually disappear. However, some claim this sensation lasts until a prosthesis is in place.
What food can I eat after crown lengthening?
Continue eating soft foods and chewing away from the surgical site. Chew on the side opposite your surgery and only consume things soft enough to cut with a fork. Patients should never bite directly into something if they have had crown lengthening on their front teeth.
Is sensitivity common after crown lengthening?
Slight sensitivity after a crown lengthening procedure is normal. As your gums heal, the sensitivity will dissipate. Patients most commonly experience sensitivity when drinking hot or cold beverages. Temperature impacts your gums heavily during the first few days after a lengthening procedure.
Do you get stitches after crown lengthening?
You’ll have dissolvable sutures, which will dissolve naturally after 4 to 6 days. You may also have silk sutures, which we’ll remove when we see you in our office again. The tissue in the surgical area will be painful for a few days. However, you must keep the area clean.
What do gums look like after crown lengthening?
Within the first few days, the gums may seem red from inflammation. However, this is a normal stage of the healing process. Some bleeding could occur in the first few hours after your crown lengthening operation. Still, you should remember to call our office if the bleeding continues or worsens.
Contact Our Office
Are you ready to improve your gum health? Call for gum treatment today at (972) 666-1594. You can also schedule an appointment online to plan a gum lift or crown lengthening procedure with Dr. Dean in Plano, TX.
If you have questions about our gum treatments, please let us know at your next visit.