How Painful is a Crown Lengthening Procedure?

A dazzling smile is often considered a key element of confidence and attractiveness. However, some people struggle with a "gummy smile," where excessive gum tissue exposes too much gum and minimizes the appearance of teeth. This can be a source of self-consciousness and a barrier to achieving a smile they truly love.

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry offers solutions! Crown lengthening, a procedure performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist in Tigard, can reshape your gum line and expose more tooth structure, creating a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing smile. But a natural concern arises: how painful is a crown lengthening procedure?

Understanding Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that removes excess gum tissue and sometimes bone to expose more of the underlying tooth crown. This allows your cosmetic dentist in Tigard to place a crown or veneer for aesthetic or restorative purposes. Here are some reasons why crown lengthening might be recommended:

• Gummy smile: As mentioned earlier, crown lengthening can address a gummy smile by exposing more tooth structure and creating a more proportionate gum line.

• Short teeth:  If your teeth appear short due to excessive gum tissue, crown lengthening can reveal more tooth length for a more balanced smile.

• Uneven gum line:  An uneven gum line can detract from the aesthetics of your smile. Crown lengthening can reshape the gum line for a more symmetrical appearance.

• Severely decayed or fractured teeth: In some cases, crown lengthening might be necessary to expose enough healthy tooth structure for a crown placement to restore a damaged tooth.

Pain Management During Crown Lengthening

While crown lengthening is a surgical procedure, it's generally considered a minimally invasive one. Here's what you can expect regarding pain management:

• Anesthesia: Your cosmetic dentist in Tigard will use local anesthesia to numb the area around the teeth undergoing treatment. This ensures you won't feel any pain during the procedure itself.

• Sedation options: In some cases, particularly for patients with dental anxiety, sedation options like nitrous oxide ("laughing gas") or oral sedation may be offered to promote relaxation during the procedure.

Post-Operative Discomfort

Once the anesthesia wears off, you might experience some mild discomfort, soreness, and swelling in the treated area. This is perfectly normal and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medication as prescribed by your dentist.

Here are some additional tips to promote healing and minimize discomfort after crown lengthening:

• Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

• Use a saltwater rinse to gently cleanse the treated area and promote healing.

• Stick to a soft diet for the first few days after surgery.

• Avoid strenuous activity for the first 24-48 hours.

Comforting Expertise at Progressive Periodontics

At Progressive Periodontics in Tigard, we understand that any dental procedure can raise concerns.  Our team of experienced and compassionate cosmetic dentists prioritizes your comfort throughout the crown lengthening process. We will discuss all aspects of the procedure with you beforehand, answer any questions you might have, and ensure you feel comfortable and informed every step of the way.

Beyond Pain Management: A Focus on Long-Term Results

While pain management is important, at Progressive Periodontics, we go beyond just making the procedure comfortable.  Our focus is on achieving optimal results for a beautiful and functional smile. Our skilled dentists utilize advanced techniques and technology to ensure precise gum reshaping and a natural-looking outcome.

Embrace a Smile You Love

Don't let a gummy smile hold you back from achieving the confident smile you deserve.  Schedule a consultation with a caring and skilled cosmetic dentist in Tigard at Progressive Periodontics today. We'll discuss your concerns, explore crown lengthening as a potential solution, and create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve your dream smile comfortably and effectively.