At Metropolitan Dental Care, we offer several types of oral surgery, including extractions, dental implant placement, gum disease treatment, and more. But did you know some oral surgery procedures are cosmetic in nature? For example, we can perform aesthetic crown lengthening for patients with an uneven or “gummy” smile. This minimally invasive procedure can reshape the gums for a more balanced and symmetrical appearance. If you are considering this type of cosmetic oral surgery in Denver, our skilled and knowledgeable dentists can help. Today, we will learn more about this treatment process, including candidacy and recovery.
What is Aesthetic Crown Lengthening?
The clinical crown is the part of the tooth that extends beyond the gum line. Some individuals may be born with additional gum tissue that covers up a portion of the crown. Aesthetic crown lengthening consists of eliminating the excess gum tissue to reveal more of the tooth underneath for a uniform and natural-looking appearance.
Who is a Candidate for Aesthetic Crown Lengthening?
Do you see more gum tissue than teeth when you smile? The gums are meant to frame the teeth, but when excess gum tissue is present, it can make your smile seem unbalanced. Patients with a “gummy” or an uneven smile can benefit from this cosmetic oral surgery in Denver. Individuals pursuing any type of cosmetic procedure should be in good overall and oral health. Tooth decay and gum disease should not be present, as these conditions can hinder the success of your cosmetic treatment. During an initial consultation with your doctor, he or she can help you establish whether cosmetic crown lengthening is right for you.
Treatment Process
The day of your oral surgery in Denver, your doctor will administer local anesthesia. This will numb the gums so that you are comfortable during your procedure. Next, he or she will spend time carefully assessing how much gum tissue should be removed. This is a delicate process, and it is important to be meticulous. The excess gum tissue will then be removed, and the gum line will be reshaped. This process is sometimes performed with a scalpel. However, in many cases, a soft tissue diode laser can be used. In either case, the treatment process is fairly simple and straightforward. Patients who undergo this procedure can leave our office with a dramatically improved smile.
Healing and Recovery
Aesthetic crown lengthening is minimally invasive. Therefore, most patients who undergo treatment at our practice enjoy minimal downtime and little to no post-surgical discomfort. Slight tenderness is to be expected. This can be managed successfully with over-the-counter pain relievers. While the gums will appear a bit red and inflamed for a few days, the irritation will diminish almost completely within one to two weeks. After this procedure, patients can enjoy a beautifully balanced smile and a surge of self-confidence. Some individuals may even choose to accentuate the results of their procedure with porcelain veneers for a comprehensive smile makeover.
Learn More about Cosmetic Oral Surgery in Denver
Even the most diligent patients often dislike certain elements of their smile. If you have an uneven gum line or excess gum tissue, schedule a consultation to see if aesthetic crown lengthening is right for you. Metropolitan Dental Care is proud to offer oral surgery in Denver, Highlands Ranch, Parker, and Centennial. Contact us online or call us at 303-534-2626.
