In most cases, the loss of gum tissue is a cause for concern; gum recession is
often a sign of gum disease. However, when the removal of gum tissue is an
intentional action that your cosmetic dentist takes, it can be a very good
thing. With our gum recontouring and crown lengthening procedures, we can trim
the gums in a way that reveals a better-proportioned, more attractive smile.
On this page, learn more about these procedures and how you may be able to
benefit from them.
Why Choose New Haven Dental Group for Gum Recontouring and Crown
Lengthening?
- Soft tissue laser provides precise treatment
- Permanent results
- Top-quality care in a welcoming environment
Who Is a Good Candidate for Gum Recontouring & Crown
Lengthening?
You may be a good candidate for gum recontouring or crown lengthening if:
-
Your gums are unusually long, and they cover a significant portion of your
teeth
- Your gum line is uneven
- A large portion of your gums show when you smile
-
You would like to receive porcelain veneers, but excess gum tissue makes
that impractical or impossible
During your cosmetic consultation, we will talk to you about your goals for
treatment. After we examine your mouth, we will let you know if gum
recontouring or crown lengthening would be suitable for you.
How Does Gum Recontouring & Crown Lengthening Work?
Gum recontouring and crown lengthening are essentially the same procedure,
but they have different goals. Gum recontouring trims the
gums in a way that creates a more even gum line. It can correct asymmetry
and help to free you of what is commonly referred to as a “gummy
smile.” Crown lengthening removes a small amount of
gum tissue in order to expose more of the teeth’s natural structure.
This is often done to make room on the teeth for veneers or crowns.
During the gum recontouring or crown lengthening procedure, we use a soft
tissue laser to gently remove unnecessary gum tissue. Depending on the
extent of your treatment, your appointment should be fairly short (perhaps
an hour or so). Local anesthesia will make sure you are comfortable.
Benefits of Gum Recontouring and Crown Lengthening
Some benefits of gum recontouring and crown lengthening include:
-
The soft tissue laser
minimizes the risk of infections and complications. It is
also extremely precise.
-
The results are permanent; the gum tissue will not grow
back to once again interfere with your smile’s aesthetics.
-
The results are natural-looking. You do not have to worry
that onlookers will automatically be able to tell that you have had a bit
of cosmetic work done on your smile.
How Much Do Gum Recontouring and Crown Lengthening Cost?
The cost of your procedure will depend on how extensive it is. For example,
reshaping the gums near one tooth will cost less than doing the same thing
for several teeth. Before you commit to the treatment, we will be sure to
give you a candid estimate for its price. If your crown lengthening or gum
recontouring is purely for cosmetic purposes, your insurance is unlikely to
cover it. However, most patients qualify for low-interest financing through
CareCredit.
Would you like to learn more about gum recontouring and crown lengthening?
Contact us
today to schedule your cosmetic consultation.