Crown Lengthening in Berkeley, CA
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening, also known as crown elongation or crown extension, is a dental procedure performed when a tooth is too short to provide adequate retention for a restoration like a crown. Dr. Dailley performs crown lengthening frequently at our Berkeley, CA dental office.
When a tooth has a deep cavity, a crown and buildup are usually needed to restore the tooth. If the cavity extends too far below the gums, it becomes impossible to make a crown that is guaranteed to last for any length of time. Therefore, a crown lengthening is done to improve the prognosis for the tooth.
Reasons for Crown Lengthening
Dr. Dailley may recommend crown lengthening for several reasons, including:
- To be able to keep a tooth that would otherwise be removed
- Providing gum contours that make the tooth easy-to-clean again
- Improving the appearance of the gum line (in some cases)
- Leaving a restored tooth that lasts longer
The Crown Lengthening Process
First, you’ll schedule an appointment at our Berkeley, CA dental office. Then, our team thoroughly numbs the tooth or teeth needing crown lengthening. During the procedure, excess gum and bone tissue is reshaped to expose more of the natural tooth. After the procedure, Dr. Dailley will prepare the tooth for a functional, long-lasting crown. As always, proper brushing and flossing is key to ensuring the maximum life of your new crown.
This procedure nearly always involves removing and recontouring some of the bone around the tooth. This results in more tooth structure above the gums and smooth flowing gum contours. Not every tooth that needs a crown also needs crown lengthening surgery — it‘s only necessary when a deep cavity or crack is present.
Crown Lengthening FAQs
How will I know if I would benefit from crown lengthening?
The most common reasons for crown lengthening are: teeth that are too short, tooth decay below your gum line, or a broken or fractured tooth below the gum line. For cosmetic reasons, you may also want to improve the appearance of your gum line.
Am I a good candidate for crown lengthening?
Good candidates for crown lengthening should be in good overall health, not suffer from any conditions that would make oral surgery risky, and practice good dental hygiene. If all of this applies to you and you have aesthetic or health issues with your gums, crown lengthening is probably right for you.
Is crown lengthening painful?
The crown lengthening procedure should not be painful. During the procedure, your gum tissue will be numbed so you don’t feel any pain. After the procedure, you may feel some discomfort when the anesthetic wears off. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain medication, and it will only last for a few days.
Does my dental insurance cover crown lengthening?
This will depend on the purpose of your crown lengthening procedure, but typically, dental insurance will cover a portion of it. Our team will go over your options with you before the procedure, and you’re highly encouraged to call your dental insurance company to find out specifics.
Dental Crown Lengthening at Dailley Dental Care
Do you have questions about dental crown lengthening? Are you ready to schedule your appointment at our Berkeley dental office? Our team would love to meet you. Give us a call at (510)-848-0114 today!
!