Crown Lengthening in Plano, TX

Creating a beautiful smile is not always as simple as a whitening treatment or teeth straightening. Excess gum tissue can hide your sexy teeth. The board-certified doctors at MINT dentistry are experienced in crown lengthening to improve your smile and oral health. Crown lengthening (despite the name) does not actually involve making the tooth itself longer. A more accurate term would be "crown exposure” since excess tissue is removed to reveal more of the tooth, making it look longer. Your dentist may recommend crown lengthening to improve the appearance of your smile or if not enough of your tooth is visible to support a tooth-colored filling or restoration (like a crown). To find out if crown lengthening could improve your smile or oral health, schedule a consultation at MINT dentistry in Plano, TX.

Candidates for crown lengthening have good oral health, especially the gums. Conditions like periodontal (gum) disease will be treated before crown lengthening is performed. Typically, crown lengthening is performed for cosmetic reasons to improve a "gummy" smile. In these cases, excess gum tissue can be removed to improve the ratio of enamel to gums and give you an even gumline. However, crown lengthening may also be needed to complete a restoration. We may need to reveal more of the tooth to place a filling, crown, or bridge. During a consultation at our well-appointed office, your dental team will assess your condition and medical history to determine if crown lengthening will help meet your aesthetic goals.

All dentistry procedures at MINT dentistry begin with our compassionate team ensuring you are entirely at ease. Our well-appointed treatment rooms feature flat-screen televisions, Beats headphones, and MINT sunglasses to help you stay relaxed throughout your treatment. Before the procedure starts, we will numb your gum tissue with a local anesthesia to minimize discomfort. MINT dentistry is also equipped with many sedation dentistry methods. Sedation methods will be discussed at your consultation. After your mouth is prepared, our team will slowly and carefully excise small amounts of soft tissue, revealing more enamel and an even gumline. When the procedure is complete, we will stop the bleeding by sealing the gum tissue and then rinsing your mouth.

Depending on which sedation method was used, you should arrange for a adult take you home. Your mouth may be swollen and sore following this procedure. Cold compresses and over-the-counter pain relievers are recommended to minimize your discomfort. For some patients, we may prescribe pain medication and/or antibiotics. You should eat soft, mild food and drink lots of water for about 3 – 5 days after the procedure. You should clean your mouth with mouthwash and gentle brushing. Avoid flossing your teeth until a team member tells you it's safe. A follow-up appointment at MINT dentistry will be scheduled so our team can check your recovery.

Your cost for crown lengthening will vary depending on the primary reason the procedure is being performed. Dental insurance providers may pay some of your costs in some situations. We will speak to your provider to determine what your bill will be before discussing your options for payment. If you don't have dental insurance, the MINT dentistry support staff will estimate your costs during your consultation. We can also give you information on financing that can help make your dental treatments easier to afford. If you do not have dental insurance, ask your dentist about our MINT Discount Plan. We look forward to helping you achieve a smile you love.

To transform or restore your smile, consider a crown lengthening treatment at MINT dentistry in Plano, TX. By removing gum tissue, you can improve the appearance of a "gummy" smile or make sure you have enough visible enamel for a filling or crown. Schedule an exam and consultation with a member of the MINT dentistry team to determine if you are a candidate for a cosmetic or restorative crown lengthening treatment.