Do I Need Crown Lengthening?
Whether or not crown lengthening is necessary depends on whether the procedure is required as part of placement of a dental crown or if it is being performed strictly for cosmetic reasons. In some instances when a dental crown needs to be placed, there is not enough visible tooth to provide the sufficient level of grip to support the dental crown. In this instance, a crown lengthening procedure may be necessary to remove enough gum and allow for the crown to be secured.
If your primary reason for getting a crown lengthening procedure is because you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your smile, the question of how necessary this procedure is really comes down to weighing out the benefits and drawbacks to having this procedure performed. There are also several considerations that may impact your viability for this procedure, including your general health, whether underlying issues like periodontal disease are present, and whether you can afford the cost of treatment. Crown lengthening performed in conjunction with a dental crown placement may be covered under your dental benefit plan, whereas a crown lengthening procedure that is performed strictly for cosmetic reasons will likely not be covered.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
One of the biggest benefits that you will enjoy following your crown lengthening procedure is a restored sense of confidence in your smile. While this may seem like a small thing, having a smile you feel confident in can have an incredible impact in your life and give you the confidence you need to pursue career or romantic opportunities and feel good about your overall appearance and sense of self worth.
Additional benefits of the crown lengthening procedure include:
- Minimally invasive
- Safe procedure with zero contraindications
- Can typically be performed in one visit
- Long-lasting results
- Reduces your risk of tooth decay
- Increases likelihood of practicing good oral hygiene habits
Disadvantages of Crown Lengthening
While the advantages listed are significant, there are certain drawbacks to having this procedure performed which are also important to keep in mind. As you consider whether crown lengthening is right for you, it is important to be aware of the following:
- Post-procedural discomfort/recovery: Although the crown lengthening procedure is minimally invasive, there will be some discomfort involved following the procedure and it will take approximately three months to complete the recovery process.
- Risk of Complications: Though the risk of developing complications is small, as with any surgical procedure, there is the possibility of developing an infection or having an adverse reaction to the local anesthetic or oral sedation.
- Cost: If crown lengthening is performed strictly for cosmetic reasons, the cost of treatment will likely not be contributed to by most dental benefit plans. If cost is a consideration for you, ask your periodontist about financing options that may be available.
If you have additional questions about whether crown lengthening is right for you, contact your periodontist, who can address any of your concerns and provide additional information that may be helpful to you in making your decision.