CROWN LENGTHENING
IN LAS VEGAS & HENDERSON, NV
ANTHEM PERIO, LAS VEGAS' CHOICE FOR ADVANCED PERIODONTICS
Crown lengthening and crown shortening are safe and effective procedures used to improve the proportion and appearance of a patient’s teeth and gums. These procedures may be recommended for patients with a gummy smile or an uneven gumline. Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may involve reshaping the gum tissue and, in some cases, the underlying bone to create a more balanced and uniform smile.
These procedures may also be performed for restorative or periodontal reasons. Crown lengthening can expose more of the tooth structure, allowing the periodontist to remove hardened deposits below the gumline, repair a damaged tooth, or create enough space to securely place a dental crown. By improving access to the tooth and reshaping the surrounding tissues, treatment can support both oral health and the long-term stability of dental restorations.
Benefits of Crown Lengthening
Patients who have crown lengthening and shortening performed will benefit in the following ways:
- Wider, more symmetrical smile
- Improved aesthetic appearance results in increased self-confidence
- Reduced risk of tooth decay
- Surgery is fast (typically 60 minutes) and relatively painless
- Results are often permanent, which means touch-ups will not be required
- Improved structural integrity of dental crown (when applicable)
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
An initial consultation and general examination will be necessary to determine if crown lengthening and shortening is the right treatment option for you. During this visit, we will review your health history, discuss your oral health concerns and goals, and examine your teeth, gums, and cheeks to determine your overall health and identify any underlying issues. Following this examination, we will explain available treatment options and answer any questions you have.
If it is determined that crown lengthening and shortening is necessary, your follow-up appointment will begin with administration of a local anesthetic and/or sedation. Next, incisions are made in the soft tissue at your gum line to separate your gums from your teeth, allowing access to the roots and bone. Once this access is available, small amounts of tissue are removed, and the area (and oftentimes surrounding teeth) is contoured and/or reduced to create an even appearance. If this procedure is being done to create adequate space for a crown, the crown may be placed now or at a future appointment.
Do you Want To
Improve Your Oral Health or Replace Missing Teeth?
Aftercare Following Crown Lengthening
Following a crown lengthening or shortening procedure, it is common to experience sensitivity and swelling, but this can typically be managed using ice packs and over-the-counter pain-relieving medication. If you are prescribed pain-relieving medication and/or antibiotics, it is essential to follow the recommended dose until the prescription runs out. One of the most important aftercare instructions to follow is sticking to a soft food diet and avoiding chewing in the procedural area following the procedure, slowly reintroducing harder foods as your healing process progresses.
Once you have fully recovered, you can return to your normal diet and self-care practices; however, it is important to take consistent good care of your oral health to avoid needing similar treatments in the future, especially if this procedure was performed because of improper or insufficient self-care. Make it a habit to brush your teeth twice daily (at a minimum) for at least two minutes each time. Also, remember to brush your tongue and cheeks, as well as behind the lower and upper front teeth.
It is also important to floss at least once a day and be mindful of the type of foods and beverages you consume, doing your best to limit or avoid starchy foods or foods or beverages that are sugary. Finally, continuing to schedule regular checkups every six months (or more if necessary) is the most important step you can take to maintain your oral health and identify and correct issues before they develop into something more significant. By following these best practices, you will significantly reduce your risk of developing periodontal disease and enjoy good oral health for many years to come!
Cost of Crown Lengthening
The cost of crown lengthening and shortening is contingent on a variety of factors, including the severity of your case, the number of teeth that are treated, whether dental sedation is used, and your dental insurance plan. It can sometimes be considered a cosmetic procedure, so please be sure to inquire about that.
At Anthem Periodontics and Dental Implants, we are committed to helping you maximize your insurance reimbursement so you can receive optimal care, which is why we will file your claim and handle your paperwork. Please be aware, though, that any remaining balance following coverage is your responsibility to cover.
Before scheduling your appointment for crown lengthening and shortening, we will provide an estimated total cost and answer any questions you have concerning payment plan options, such as CareCredit, which offers interest-free payment plans for six-to-twelve-month periods and/or a payment arrangement made in advance with our office.
For your convenience, we accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express.
Schedule Your Appointment
At Anthem Periodontics and Dental Implants, protecting your oral health is our top priority. Our team is committed to providing you with comprehensive periodontal care and dental implant services designed to help you achieve and maintain a healthy, confident smile. To learn more about crown lengthening or schedule an appointment, contact our office at (702) 270-4600. We look forward to providing you with personalized care tailored to meet your needs.