Crowns are the caps on the top of your natural tooth that defines its shape. If you are interested in getting cosmetic dental procedures such as bridges or implants, a certain amount of tooth surface must be exposed or available. This can be a reason why this procedure may benefit individuals who have gums that are excessively covering teeth, also known as a gummy smile.
Signs of a Gummy Smile
A common sign of a gummy smile includes “short” looking teeth. Having a gummy smile results in a disproportionate gum to tooth ratio and can even lead to infected gums since so much gum tissue is present, allowing harmful bacteria to get trapped at an increased rate. While this may or may not be related to genetics, having a gummy smile can be treated and cured by the crown lengthening procedure should there be a desire or want to do so.
How is a Gummy Smile Fixed in Monreville, PA?
The primary way of fixing a gummy smile is through a crown lengthening procedure. The crown lengthening procedure removes gum tissue, bone, or both, if necessary, to reveal more surface area of a tooth. Some reasons for reduced tooth surface area that may cause a need for tooth exposure can include:
- Broken or cracked tooth at the gumline
- Gumline extends too far along the tooth for it to receive cosmetic or restorative treatment
- Weak tooth structure that is not viable for restoration
- Crown or filling has fallen off or decay is present beneath it
The Step-By-Step Process It Takes to Fix a Gummy Smile
Typically done by a periodontist, or gum specialist, the crown lengthening procedure usually begins with a review of your medical history and an X-ray of your teeth and gums. Your dental specialist in Monroeville, PA may even suggest a teeth cleaning appointment before the procedure is done, to decrease risks of infection caused by bacteria or plaque.
You may even receive a temporary crown on your tooth as a protection mechanism prior to the procedure. This allows the dental specialist to see how well the crown will fit on your tooth once the lengthening procedure has been completed.
The dental specialist will choose the best type of lengthening procedure, including a gingivectomy, surgical extrusion, and a typically repositioned flap surgery, based on your individual needs. This is why it is so important to select a dental professional with the right expertise and education in executing this procedure and ensuring optimal gum health.
Come To Our Office in Monroeville, PA to correct Your Gummy Smile
Call our doctors, Edward J. Halusic, DMD, Christian A. Moore, DMD, MD, and Ryan J. McCloy, DMD, in our office by Monroeville, PA to get on a path to a new smile with dental implants! Schedule your consultation today!
