Find Us
Call Today (216) 381-3009
14100 Cedar Road, Suite 210
University Heights, OH 44121
My Blog
Archive:
- 2021
- 2020
- 2019
- 2018
- 2017
- 2016
- 2015
Tags
- celebrity smiles (65)
- cosmetic dentistry (10)
- tooth pain (4)
- chipped teeth (1)
- sedation dentistry (3)
- oral hygiene (24)
- dentures (5)
- dental anxiety (2)
- dental implants (10)
- wisdom teeth (2)
- partial dentures (1)
- gum disease (12)
- tmd (1)
- tmj disorders (6)
- tmj (1)
- pediatric care (1)
- fillings (1)
- orthodontics (2)
- braces (6)
- sinus surgery (1)
- dental emergency (1)
- dental injury (6)
- composite resins (1)
- porcelain veneers (4)
- crowns (3)
- medication (1)
- antibiotics (1)
- tooth grinding (1)
- sleep apnea (3)
- snoring (3)
- bad breath (2)
- sensitive teeth (2)
- orthodontic treatment (7)
- retainers (1)
- oral health (27)
- veneers (3)
- teeth grinding (2)
- oral cancer (9)
- partial denture (2)
- apioectomy (1)
- mouthguard (1)
- tooth decay (5)
- periodontal disease (3)
- bonding (1)
- root canal treatment (3)
- chipped tooth (3)
- nutrition (9)
- teeth wear (1)
- lump (1)
- athletic mouthguards (1)
- teeth whitening (4)
- mouthguards (4)
- smoking (2)
- air abrasion (1)
- oral surgery (2)
- bruxism (1)
- night guard (1)
- gum recession (4)
- bone grafting (1)
- root resorption (2)
- pediatric dentistry (5)
- thumb sucking (1)
- pregnancy (1)
- cleft lip (1)
- cleft palate (1)
- GERD (1)
- x-ray (1)
- toothache (2)
- baby teeth (1)
- bridgework (1)
- crown lengthening (1)
- loose tooth (2)
- retainer (1)
- tooth replacement (1)
- jaw pain (1)
- abscessed tooth (1)
- crown (1)
- facial pain (2)
- trigeminal neuralgia (1)
- TADs (1)
- vaping (1)
- dental implant (2)
- extraction (2)
- clear aligners (1)
- dental cleaning (1)
- mouth sore (1)
- dental care (1)
- dental injuries (1)
- root canal (1)
Categories:
There is a primary principle dentists follow regarding tooth decay—treat it as soon as you find it. Something as simple and routine as filling a cavity could prevent future tooth loss.
But treating a cavity at or below the gum line could be anything but simple and routine. Older adults who may also be dealing with gum recession are more likely to have these kinds of cavities where the gums block clear access to it.
But there is a way to access gum-covered cavities with a minor surgical procedure known as crown lengthening. Crown lengthening is commonly used in cosmetic dentistry to expose more of the visible teeth when there's an overabundance of gum tissue or if the teeth are disproportionately small. We can use it in this instance to surgically relocate the blocking gum tissue out of the way of the cavity.
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, tiny incisions will be made in the gums to create a tissue flap. After reshaping the underlying bone to recreate normal anatomy but at a different level, this flap is then moved and sutured to a new position. This exposes enough tooth structure so that the cavity can be repaired after gum healing.
As with any minor surgery, there's a very slight risk of bleeding and/or infection with crown lengthening. If you undergo this procedure, you'll receive post-care instructions for the first few days afterward including avoiding strenuous activities, eating only soft foods and using an ice pack the day of surgery to help control swelling.
This versatile procedure can help save a tooth that might otherwise be lost due to decay. And, it might even improve your appearance.
If you would like more information on treatment options for tooth decay, please contact us or schedule an appointment for a consultation. You can also learn more about this topic by reading the Dear Doctor magazine article “Crown Lengthening: This Common Surgical Procedure Restores Function and Improves Appearance.”
Lynda V. Butler, DDS