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Crown Lengthening
A dental crown, also referred to as a “cap,” is a dental appliance designed to cover an entire tooth surface – right down to the gum line. Crowns are often used instead of fillings in teeth that have a large amount of decay and/or an old filling that needs to be replaced. If the structure of the existing natural tooth isn’t strong enough to contain a new filling, Dr. Mobley might choose a crown instead. But in some instances, a patient may not even have enough natural tooth left to support a crown. That’s where the crown lengthening procedure comes into play, and it’s one of the many services we provide to our Austin, TX patients.
Get StartedThe Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is a common oral surgery procedure. Dr. Mobley begins by using a local anesthesia to completely numb the tooth and the surrounding gum tissue. Then, she begins to carefully and precisely remove gum tissue from not only the tooth needing a crown, but also from some of the neighboring teeth as well. This is required in order to have a natural-looking gum line, rather than a gum line that is abruptly different on the affected tooth. Dr. Mobley typically uses a laser to remove the gum tissue, making the procedure much less invasive and allowing for a much shorter healing time for the gum tissue. In some instances, it may be necessary to remove some bone tissue around the root of the affected tooth. After the procedure, once the gums have completely healed, the patient will be fitted with a new permanent crown. In the interim, Dr. Mobley will place a temporary crown over the affected tooth.
Recovering
After a crown lengthening procedure, Dr. Mobley may prescribe pain medication, and the patient will be asked to eat only soft foods for a period of time as the gum tissue heals. It is also recommended that a water flosser device be used to remove food particles from the affected area, rather than dental floss. Typically, Dr. Mobley is able to fit a permanent crown for the patient
in 4 – 6 weeks after the procedure.
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smiles is our passion
To find out more about our dental services, or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Megan Mobley, contact our Austin, TX office today.