Crown Lengthening
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening is usually performed to improve the health of the gum tissue, prepare the mouth for a procedure, or correct a “gummy smile”. A “gummy smile” is used to describe an instance where teeth are covered with excess gum tissue resulting in a less esthetically-pleasing smile. The procedure involves reshaping or recontouring the gum tissue and bone around the tooth in question to create a new gum-to–tooth relationship. Crown lengthening can be performed on a single tooth, many teeth, or the entire gum line.
Crown lengthening is often required when your tooth needs a new crown or other restoration. The edge of that restoration is deep below the gum tissue and not immediately accessible. It is also usually too close to the bone or below the bone.
Crown lengthening allows us to reach the edge of the restoration, ensuring a proper fit to the tooth. It should also provide enough tooth structure so the new restoration will not come loose in the future. This allows you to clean the edge of the restoration when you brush and floss to prevent decay and gum disease.
Crown lengthening takes approximately one hour but will largely depend on the amount of teeth involved and if any amount of bone will need to be removed. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic and involves a series of small incisions around the tissue to separate the gums from the teeth. Even if only one tooth requires the procedure, it will probably be necessary to adjust the surrounding teeth to enable a more even reshaping. In some cases, extraction of a small amount of bone will be necessary as well.
When Dr. Cho is satisfied that the teeth have sufficient exposure and the procedure is completed, the incisions will be cleaned with sterile water. Sutures and a protective bandage are then placed to help secure the new gum-to-tooth relationship. Your teeth will look noticeably longer immediately after surgery because the gums have now been repositioned. You will need to be seen in one or two weeks to remove the sutures and evaluate your healing. The surgical site should be completely healed in approximately two to three months following the procedure.
Before
After
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Jessica Grimmett2021-09-16I was very impressed with Dr Cho and his staff! Very organized and efficient. Ashleigh is amazing! Totally on top of everything. I had crown lengthening done and the experience was great! No pain at all and Dr Cho walked me through everything so I knew what was happening and what to expect next. Ariel and Dr Cho work great together! They gave me post op instructions verbally and Ashleigh also gave me instructions on paper so I know how to care for the area when I get home. I will definitely refer my friends and family to Dr Cho in the future!
Lafave Silver2021-08-05I am so happy with my results after Dr. Cho performed a gum surgery on me to fix my gummy smile. He made the process fast and painless and made sure to explain everything thoroughly to me. I would definitely recommend visiting his office!
Cyndy Hamasaki2021-02-06As the wife of a retired Dentist, I am fortunately accustomed to excellent dental care. Dr. William Cho and his entire staff exceeded my expectations and exemplify the very best of outstanding periodontal care. Dr. Cho is not only well trained, he strives to care for all his patients with outstanding and diligent skills explaining each step of every periodontal procedure. I recommend Dr. Cho with the highest of accolades possible. Thank you Dr. Cho! Cyndy Hamasaki
Pantelis Vassilakis (acousticslab)2021-02-04Dr. Cho was thorough, quick, clear, and direct in his exam and assessment of our daughter, visiting for a possible labial frenectomy. He has earned our full trust. Highly recommended. The front office is efficient as courteous. The entire operation is a caring, effective, and efficient well-oiled medical machine :-). Congrats!
Kirsten Davis2021-01-21I have been going to Dr. Cho for at least the last 5 years, and I highly recommend him and his practice to everyone I know who's looking for a quality periodontist. After many years of getting the run-around or getting too short "perio quadrant scaling cleanings" from traveling periodontists working with NO oversight from the dental providers they partner with, I finally realized that I needed to find someone with extra expertise and integrity. I feel Dr. Cho has both. I have had regular cleanings, deep cleanings and 1 implant surgery with him. Very happy with his care!
Elmer Catapang2021-01-08Dr. Cho is a very professional and knowledgeable periodontist. I would highly recommend him to anyone.
Diane Hanson2020-12-23Dr. Cho has been with me thru the years. He always is helpful and give great advise as well as referrals. I know I can count on him as I have for over a decade.
JT “Answerman20000” Y2020-12-01Dr. Cho cares about each patient and recommends the right procedure and considers the cost to the patient. His work is thorough and answers all questions asked. He also asks questions to understand why they are visiting his practice and any background before making any recommendation. He made me feel very comfortable and I felt he was the Periodontist for me..
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