Crown lengthening is a procedure in which Dr. Jean-Claude Kharmouche removes gum tissue to expose a greater amount of the tooth. He does this by separating the gums from the teeth using small incisions around the gums. This allows him to have access to the tooth structures and even the jaw bone, if necessary. Once the desired area of the tooth structure has been exposed, the doctor cleans it before using sutures to close the surgical site. This simple procedure can be used for two main reasons: esthetic crown lengthening or functional crown lengthening.
Esthetic Crown Lengthening
Esthetic crown lengthening is often completed to help correct a gummy smile. This occurs when the gums cover too much of the crown, making it seem smaller or shorter than it should be. This can have a direct impact on a person’s smile and as a result, their confidence level. Correcting the gums using crown lengthening can help you have a more natural smile. In some cases after excising gum tissue, the doctor must also reshape the bone in the exposed areas to give the teeth a more natural appearance. The procedure is also often used to prepare the mouth for additional cosmetic work.
Functional Crown Lengthening
Functional crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that may be required if you break a tooth below the gum line, or if a restoration requires a greater amount of tooth structures to be exposed for proper support. The goal of this type of procedure is to adjust the gum line to give Dr. Kharmouche the room he needs to properly restore full function to the area. Like the esthetic process, functional crown lengthening often requires the doctor to reshape the bone so the restoration is properly supported, maintains full function in the future and is not likely to loosen over time and become infected.
Contact Us Today
If you need a crown lengthening in Sterling, VA, today is the best time to schedule anappointment with Dr. Kharmouche. Contact us at 571-918-9634.
