Crown Lengthening in Indianapolis, IN

Sometimes, it may require more than whitening or straightening your teeth to improve your smile. Excess gum tissue can make it difficult to show off your sexy smile. The board-certified dentists at MINT dentistry are experienced in performing crown lengthening to improve your smile and oral health. Despite its name, crown lengthening does not actually make your teeth longer. A more precise name would be "crown exposure” since soft tissue is removed to show more enamel, making your teeth seem longer. We may suggest crown lengthening as part of a cosmetic treatment plan or if not enough of your tooth is visible to support a tooth-colored filling or restoration (like a crown). To get more information on how crown lengthening can improve your oral health and appearance, schedule an initial consultation with a board-certified MINT dentistry professional in Indianapolis, IN.

To be a candidate for crown lengthening, you must have healthy gums and overall good oral health. Conditions like periodontal (gum) disease will be treated first and then crown lengthening can be scheduled. Typically, crown lengthening is performed for cosmetic reasons to improve a "gummy" smile. In these cases, excess gum tissue can be removed to improve the amount of enamel to gums for a higher gumline. Crown lengthening might also be needed to perform a restoration. Your dentist might recommend crown lengthening to expose more of the tooth to have enough room for a tooth-colored filling, crown, or bridge. In your consultation at our state-of-the-art MINT dentistry office, a board-certified dentist will evaluate your oral health to decide if crown lengthening is right for you.

Before your crown lengthening procedure begins, we want to ensure that you're relaxed and comfortable. Our state-of-the-art treatment rooms all have Beats headphones, MINT sunglasses, and flat-screen televisions to help you stay relaxed. Before the treatment begins, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the area to minimize discomfort. MINT dentistry in Indianapolis, IN is also equipped with several sedation dentistry methods. Your options and recommendations for sedation will be discussed in advance at your consultation. After you are ready, your doctor will remove a small amount of the gum tissue slowly and gradually to reveal more enamel with a higher, even gumline. When your crown lengthening procedure is done, your dentist will seal the gum tissue to stop bleeding.

A trusted friend or family member will need to drive you home from your treatment if sedation is used. Your mouth may be sore and swollen after crown lengthening. Over-the-counter pain medication and cold compresses are recommended to minimize your discomfort. Depending on the extent of the procedure, your dentist may write you a prescription for antibiotics and/or pain medication. It's best to stick to a soft food diet and stay hydrated for about 3 – 5 days after your treatment. At home, you should clean your teeth with mouthwash and gentle brushing. Avoid flossing until your dentist has determined your gums have healed. A follow-up appointment at MINT dentistry will be made so we can check to see that your gums are healing properly.

The total cost of your crown lengthening treatment will depend on multiple factors, like the reason it is being performed in the first place. If you have dental insurance, it may pay some of your costs. We will contact your provider to determine what your bill will be before discussing your options for payment. For patients who don't have dental insurance, we will estimate your costs in your consultation. We can also give you information on medical financing that can help make your care fit into your budget. If you cannot afford your dental care and do not have dental insurance, ask your dentist for more information on the MINT Discount Plan.

MINT dentistry in Indianapolis, IN proudly performs crown lengthening treatments to remove excess gum tissue to reveal a stunning smile. When you remove overgrown gum tissue, you can improve a "gummy" smile or get your teeth ready for a restoration like a tooth-colored filling or crown. Contact us to schedule an initial consultation with a board-certified dentist at MINT dentistry to determine if your appearance and oral health can be improved with a cosmetic or restorative crown lengthening treatment.