Crown Lengthening in New York, NY

Board-certified periodontist Dr. Kevin Loshak is experienced in crown lengthening to improve the appearance and health of your smile. Crown lengthening can be a confusing term to some since it sounds like it involves adding length to the tooth. A more accurate term is crown exposure since gum tissue is cut away to reveal more of the tooth. You may consider crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons if you want to improve a "gummy" smile. It may also be done if not enough of your crown is visible to support a filling, crown, or other restoration. To learn more, schedule a consultation at SmilesNY Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry in New York, NY.

If you are considering crown lengthening, you should be in good general health, especially in terms of your gums. Problems like periodontal (gum) disease may need to be treated before crown lengthening is performed. Most often, crown lengthening is done for cosmetic reasons to correct a "gummy" smile. In these cases, excess gum tissue could be removed to improve the ratio of tooth to gums and provide you a raised, even gumline. In some cases, crown lengthening can also be needed to perform a restoration. Dr. Loshak may want to reveal more of the tooth so as to place a filling, crown, or bridge.

To begin the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the needed areas to minimize your discomfort. You may discuss other sedation methods during your consultation to help keep you calm and comfortable during the process. Once your mouth is prepared, the gum tissue is removed in small slivers to gradually reveal more of the teeth, and the gumline will be shaped for an even look. Once Dr. Loshak has completed the crown lengthening process, he will close the gums to stop bleeding and clean your mouth.

After your crown lengthening procedure, your mouth could be sore and swollen. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can usually be used to lessen your discomfort, but Dr. Loshak may prescribe pain medication and/or antibiotics. You may want to stick to a liquid or soft food diet for many days as your mouth heals. You should keep your mouth clean at home with mouthwash and soft brushing, but avoid flossing. You may have to schedule a follow-up appointment at SmilesNY to monitor your healing. Your gums will also be continuously checked during your annual dental exam.

The cost of a crown lengthening procedure may vary depending on why the treatment is being performed. Dental insurance providers may cover a portion of the cost in some scenarios, but this is not always the case. In any event, our financial team will contact your provider to determine what your out-of-pocket costs will be before discussing your options for payment. If you don't have dental insurance, a member of our financial team will also help estimate your costs prior to your procedure, and give you more information on low-interest financing that could help make your dental treatments more affordable.

How does crown lengthening improve my smile?

Patients with a gummy smile often seek a cosmetic solution to expose more of their teeth. This is important because the length of your teeth is related to the amount of tooth that is visible when you smile. Crown lengthening at SmilesNY Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry can help patients discover their smile potential through this simple procedure.

How can I prepare for crown lengthening?

To prepare for the procedure and ensure a comfortable and easy recovery, we may ask about your medical history and current medications. We provide local anesthesia to minimize discomfort, but other options can be discussed if you have some anxiety. Patients should expect to be sore and swollen after treatment, so it's best to take the rest of the day off for recovery.

Why choose us for crown lengthening?

Our dental clinic in New York has helped countless patients overcome their gummy smile problems. When you visit for a quick consultation, we can determine your smile potential, discuss options with you, and design a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. We offer a variety of cosmetic solutions to improve smiles and are qualified to provide the care you need.

Whether you want to improve your smile or oral health, learn more about crown lengthening at SmilesNY. By removing gum tissue, you can improve the overall look of a "gummy" smile or prepare your teeth for a restoration. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Loshak to decide if you are a candidate for cosmetic or restorative crown lengthening at our office in New York, NY.