Moreno Valley Dentist
Crown Lengthening & Gummy Smile Treatment in Moreno Valley
Your gums play a huge role in the overall appearance and health of your smile. If your gum tissue extends too far down over your teeth, it can make your teeth look disproportionately small or completely hide your beautiful enamel. Alternatively, if a tooth breaks right at the gumline, your gums can actually get in the way of saving it.
At Moreno Beach Dental, we provide precise, comfortable crown lengthening procedures to address both cosmetic and functional gum concerns. Dr. Myung Kee Park, FAGD, and our highly trained clinical team combine artistic vision with surgical precision to sculpt the perfect gumline. We are proud to offer this specialized periodontal service to individuals throughout Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Beaumont, Redlands, Loma Linda, and Grand Terrace.
Despite the name, the procedure doesn't actually make your tooth longer. Instead, it simply pushes the gumline back to reveal the beautiful tooth structure that was already there, hiding just beneath the surface!
Before we begin, the entire area is completely numbed with a highly effective local anesthetic, ensuring you feel absolutely no pain during the reshaping process. Dr. Park uses specialized, minimally invasive instruments to precisely sculpt the tissue. Once the ideal gum contour is achieved, the area is gently cleansed and protected so it can heal quickly. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth and comfortable the entire experience is!
At Moreno Beach Dental, we provide precise, comfortable crown lengthening procedures to address both cosmetic and functional gum concerns. Dr. Myung Kee Park, FAGD, and our highly trained clinical team combine artistic vision with surgical precision to sculpt the perfect gumline. We are proud to offer this specialized periodontal service to individuals throughout Moreno Valley, Riverside, Perris, Beaumont, Redlands, Loma Linda, and Grand Terrace.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a routine periodontal procedure designed to expose more of your natural tooth structure. During the treatment, Dr. Park carefully and gently recontours the excess gum tissue (and sometimes a tiny amount of the underlying bone) surrounding one or more teeth.Despite the name, the procedure doesn't actually make your tooth longer. Instead, it simply pushes the gumline back to reveal the beautiful tooth structure that was already there, hiding just beneath the surface!
Two Main Reasons for Crown Lengthening
While it is a single procedure, crown lengthening is performed for two very different reasons depending on your unique dental needs:- Restorative Necessity (Saving a Damaged Tooth)
If a tooth is severely decayed or broken off right at (or just below) the gumline, there isn't enough exposed tooth structure left to securely attach a dental crown or a filling. If we try to place a crown without enough room, it will constantly fall off or cause chronic gum irritation. Crown lengthening gently lowers the gumline, giving Dr. Park the proper surface area needed to permanently bond your new porcelain crown and save the tooth from extraction. - Cosmetic Enhancement (Fixing a "Gummy Smile")
Some patients are born with an overgrowth of gum tissue that covers a significant portion of their upper teeth. This can result in a "gummy smile," where the teeth appear unusually short or square. By artistically sculpting the gumline, we can instantly create a more balanced, symmetrical, and broad smile that lets your natural teeth take center stage.
A Comfortable, Precision Procedure
We know that any procedure involving the gums can sound intimidating, but your comfort is our absolute highest priority.Before we begin, the entire area is completely numbed with a highly effective local anesthetic, ensuring you feel absolutely no pain during the reshaping process. Dr. Park uses specialized, minimally invasive instruments to precisely sculpt the tissue. Once the ideal gum contour is achieved, the area is gently cleansed and protected so it can heal quickly. Most patients are pleasantly surprised by how smooth and comfortable the entire experience is!
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FAQs
Does crown lengthening hurt?
Not at all. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so the area is entirely numb while Dr. Park works. You won't feel any pain. After the numbing wears off, it is normal to experience some mild soreness and swelling for a few days, which is usually easily managed with over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen.
How long does it take to heal from crown lengthening?
The initial healing of the gum tissue usually takes about one to two weeks. During this time, you will need to eat softer foods and be very gentle when brushing around the treated area. However, it takes a few months for the gums to fully settle into their final, permanent position.
Will my gums grow back after the procedure?
No. When performed correctly by an experienced professional like Dr. Park, crown lengthening provides a permanent result. The excess tissue is carefully removed, and the bone is sometimes slightly reshaped to ensure the gums stay in their new, beautiful position for life.
What should I eat after my crown lengthening procedure?
For the first few days, stick to a soft-food diet to avoid irritating the healing gums. Great options include yogurt, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, applesauce, and lukewarm soups. You should strictly avoid anything spicy, highly acidic, crunchy, or foods with small seeds that could get stuck in the surgical site.
Disclaimer: Please note that the provided information above is based on general knowledge, and it's always recommended to consult with Dr. Myung Kee Park or our dental team for personalized advice and recommendations regarding your or your child's specific dental needs and conditions.
