Crown Lengthening in Tupelo, MS

At Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, distinguished dentists Doctors Richard Caron and John Kenney are proud to offer advanced laser crown lengthening to improve the look and health of the smile. Crown lengthening may come off as an odd term to some because it sounds like it entails adding length to the tooth. A more accurate term might be crown exposure as some of the gum tissue is removed to reveal more of the enamel. You may be a good candidate for crown lengthening for aesthetic reasons if you would like to improve the look of a "gummy" smile. Crown lengthening may also be performed if not enough of your tooth enamel is visible to hold a dental crown, filling, or other restoration on a damaged tooth. To learn more about advanced laser crown lengthening care, schedule a consultation at our patient-centered Tupelo, MS dental practice.

Candidates for crown lengthening should be in good general health, especially with regards to the gum tissues. Conditions, such as gum (periodontal) disease, may need to be treated before crown lengthening is performed. Most frequently, crown lengthening is carried out for aesthetic reasons to correct a "gummy" smile. In these circumstances, excess gum tissue is removed to improve the ratio of gum tissue to enamel and offer you a more even gumline and wider, balanced smile. However, crown lengthening can also be required to complete a dental restoration if gum (or bone) tissue is covering a damaged portion of a tooth and preventing proper access to treat the damage with a filling, crown, or bridge. 

Before the procedure starts, a numbing agent is applied to the treatment regions to make the process more comfortable. You can talk about other sedation options with doctors Caron or Kenney in your initial consultation to help keep you calm and comfortable during the procedure. After your mouth is prepared, a small amount of the gum tissue is removed at a time to slowly reveal more of your enamel, and then the gumline will be sculpted for a lifted and even look. Our advanced soft tissue laser cauterizes the tissue as it goes, minimizing bleeding and often eliminating the need for sutures to promote healing.

Following your crown lengthening treatment, your gums may be a little sore and inflamed. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to lessen your discomfort, but laser generally provides a faster recovery period and less invasive procedure. You may wish to follow a soft food diet for a few days after your treatment. Our team will give you tips on how to take care of your teeth and gums as your mouth heals. In some cases, you may need to schedule a follow-up appointment at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry to monitor your healing. doctors Caron and Kenney will also always assess your gums at your yearly dental examinations with our team.

Whether you want to improve your smile or oral health, learn more about gentle laser crown lengthening treatments at Tupelo Smiles Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. By eliminating excess gum tissue, you can enhance the overall look of a "gummy" smile or prepare your teeth for a dental restoration. Schedule a consultation with doctors Caron or Kenney to determine if you are a candidate for restorative or cosmetic crown lengthening at our full-service office in Tupelo, MS.