Crown Lengthening in Bellevue, WA

Our board-certified periodontists are uniquely experienced at crown lengthening to improve the visual appeal and health of your smile. Crown lengthening may come off as an odd term to some since it sounds like it entails adding material to the tooth. A more precise term might be crown exposure because this process removes excess gum tissue to show more of the tooth enamel. You may consider crown lengthening for aesthetic reasons, such as to correct a "gummy" smile appearance. Crown lengthening could also be ideal if an insufficient surface area of a tooth is visible to hold a dental filling, crown, or another restoration. To learn more about crown lengthening in Bellevue, WA or the surrounding areas, schedule an appointment at Premier Periodontics.

Crown lengthening surgery can benefit patients in many ways, from improving the smile's appearance to enhancing oral health. The benefits of a functional or esthetic crown lengthening procedure include the following:

• Minimal discomfort: We use local anesthetics so you'll remain comfortable throughout your treatment
• Long-lasting results: The results can last for years when coupled with good oral hygiene (flossing and brushing twice daily)
• Safe procedure: Our experienced periodontists make this procedure effective and safe
• Symmetrical smile: Make your smile balanced and wider
• Help prevent gum disease: Removes infected gum tissue to reduce the risk of gum disease

Learn more about this procedure and schedule an appointment with our dental professionals at Premier Periodontics. We look forward to helping you enhance your oral health and improve the look of your smile with crown lengthening treatment.

If you are considering crown lengthening surgery, you should be in good overall health, particularly in terms of the gums. Conditions like periodontal (gum) disease may need to be treated before crown lengthening can be performed. Most often, this "gummy teeth treatment" in Bellevue, WA, is requested for aesthetic reasons to fix a "gummy" smile. In such instances, excess gum (and often bone) tissue can be removed to improve the proportion of tooth to gums and provide you with an even, more attractive smile.

For other patients, crown lengthening may be needed to perform a dental restoration. Our periodontists might need to remove a small amount of gum and bone to uncover more of your tooth and create the space needed for your restorative dentist to place a filling, bridge, or crown.

To begin the procedure, a local anesthetic is administered to the treatment area to ensure a comfortable procedure. You can discuss other sedation methods with our periodontists in your initial consultation to help you stay calm and comfortable throughout the procedure. Once you are ready, a small amount of the gum tissue is removed at a time to gradually show more of the enamel, and then your gumline will be shaped for an even look. We may also need to shave the underlying bone to achieve a natural contour and your desired results. Crown lengthening for Seattle-area patients is generally completed within a single visit to Premier Periodontics.

After your crown lengthening procedure, your gums may be a little tender and swollen. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can be used to minimize your discomfort. It may be good to stick to a soft food diet for the first few days while your gums heal. Our clinical team will provide you with instructions on how to care for your mouth at home during the recovery phase. If you are receiving a crown lengthening procedure to enable restorative dental care, we will advise you as to when you can move forward with having your treatment completed.

The cost of crown lengthening will differ, depending on why it is being performed. Dental insurance might cover a portion of the cost in some scenarios, such as when it supports functional oral health needs. Our financial staff will get in touch with your insurer and estimate what your out-of-pocket costs might be. Premier Periodontics strives to keep our treatments affordable without compromising on quality and accepts several convenient payment solutions, including special financing options.

What can I not do after crown lengthening?
We will send you home with care instructions; however, you should avoid spicy, salty, acidic, crunchy, and extremely hot or cold foods until your gums heal. We also advise that you not smoke or drink alcohol, carbon, or anything through a straw for 48 hours after your procedure. Additionally, we recommend softer foods for the first week after your crown lengthening in Bellevue, WA.

How long does it take to heal from crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening can take up to two months to heal. Our team will help you better understand your healing timeline.

When will my swelling go down?
You will likely experience some swelling after your crown lengthening surgery. You can expect this to last for about three days following your treatment. You can keep ice on your mouth, keep your head elevated, and use moist heat after day two of your procedure to help minimize swelling. If you have major swelling, contact our office.

Crown lengthening may be just what you need to enhance a gummy smile or facilitate the placement of a dental restoration. As a leading specialty practice in the Bellevue, WA area, Premier Periodontics is pleased to offer this advanced treatment option to meet your oral health needs. Schedule a consultation with our team today to learn if you are a candidate for functional or cosmetic crown lengthening treatment.