Having a smile that you are proud of will improve your confidence. Unfortunately, some people become self-conscious if they have low gumlines that make their teeth appear too small. This anomaly is treatable through a type of dental surgery called crown lengthening.

In this procedure, your dentist exposes more of the tooth structure, which results in a bigger, brighter smile. If this sounds like the perfect solution for your “gummy” smile, here is some essential information about crown lengthening.

Crown lengthening is a method of reshaping the gum tissue to increase the amount of visible tooth surface. A periodontist, or gum specialist, can perform this procedure for one tooth, several teeth, or the entire gum line.

Just how much gum comes out depends on several factors, such as

• The total length of the tooth from crown to root
• The position of the tooth
• The aesthetic appearance of the gums and teeth.

Your dentist in Boston may recommend crown lengthening if you have:

• Cosmetic concerns about the appearance of your smile
• A cavity beneath the gumline
• A fractured or broken tooth

The surgery itself is an outpatient procedure, but its duration depends on each patient’s needs. It is performed under local anesthesia and a sedative if necessary, but you can return to your normal activities after a few days of rest. Pain and swelling are perfectly normal after crown lengthening surgery.

Your dentist may recommend over-the-counter painkillers, cold compresses, and a soft diet to aid in recovery. As healing progresses, the swelling reduces, your gumline continues to shrink and expose more of your teeth.

Full recovery can take up to three months, the result of which is a transformed smile from "gummy" to radiant.

With Arch Street Dental, it is never too late to get that smile you deserve. Get in touch with us to schedule your crown lengthening appointment today.