703-566-1990

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703-566-1990

ORAL SURGERY WASHINGTON DC

WASHINGTON, DC || ARLINGTON, VIRGINIA || RESTON, VIRGINIA

1016 NORTH HIGHLAND STREET,
ARLINGTON, VA, 22201

Crown Lengthening

Dental Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening can be utilized for both cosmetic and restorative purposes. By exposing the gumline, oral surgeons can treat hidden decay or cavities. Crown lengthening can also reshape the gumline and be performed alongside enamel recontouring for a beautiful, youthful smile. The field of restorative dentistry has continued to evolve in the past years, offering less invasive and more effective treatments. Oral surgeons have been able to treat decaying, damaged, or broken teeth with ease.

The introduction of dental crowns and dental implants have proved revolutionary in the long-term treatment of damaged or missing teeth. Dental fillings are a simple treatment that dentists use to remove and fill decayed portions of teeth. These dental procedures are incredibly helpful for patients, but when a cavity forms on the tooth above the gumline or the tooth becomes damaged or fractured above the gumline, crown lengthening may be needed.

What is crown lengthening?

Crown lengthening, sometimes referred to as crown exposure or teeth lengthening, is a common oral surgery procedure where the gum tissue above the tooth is repositioned in order to reveal more of your tooth. While the crown is not being lengthened itself, some gum tissue is being removed, resulting in a longer-looking tooth. Crown lengthening may be performed on just 1 tooth or several teeth. Tooth lengthening is a versatile oral procedure that can be used for a variety of treatments.

When is crown lengthening needed?

In most cases, crown lengthening is used when a cavity forms on a portion of the tooth which is obscured by gum tissue. Without the cavity being exposed, it cannot be properly treated. Cavities concealed by the gumline are usually only detected by a dental x-ray. Crown lengthening can reposition and recontour the gumline so that the cavity is exposed, allowing for the decayed material to be removed and a filling to be placed.

Another common use for crown lengthening is when treating a tooth that has become damaged under the gumline. This can happen when an entire cusp breaks off from the tooth or the tooth becomes fractured below the gumline. When a tooth breaks below the gumline, it cannot be restored unless the crown is lengthened, exposing the damaged portion of the tooth. Following crown lengthening for a broken tooth, we will be able to perform a procedure to fix the damaged tooth, such as placing a dental crown.

Reasons For Crown Lengthening
Cavities Hidden Below The Gumline
Teeth That Have Fractured Below The Gums
When An Entire Cusp Breaks Off Of The Tooth
Gummy Smile Correction

Does crown lengthening have a cosmetic purpose?

Crown lengthening is also used to correct a gummy smile, which is denoted by a large amount of gum tissue, which conceals the majority of your teeth. Excess gum tissue may make your teeth appear smaller and cause a smile that shows more gum than usual. Crown lengthening adjusts the ratio of gum to teeth and repositions the gumline to its optimal level. Crown lengthening for gummy smile correction is often performed using laser technology. Laser crown lengthening is less invasive than traditional crown lengthening, which typically uses incisions along the gumline. Following gummy smile correction with crown lengthening, your teeth will appear longer, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing smile.

What should I expect from crown lengthening?

The details of your crown lengthening will vary depending on what you are having treated. For example, if you have a cavity concealed by the gumline, we will begin your crown lengthening procedure by raising the flap of gum tissue above the tooth. We will then reduce the bone height under the gum, which will be prepared to support the gums on a lower position in order to expose the cavity. When reducing the bone height, we will follow your bone’s natural progression. The gum tissue is then repositioned on the newly prepared bone and is now supported above the damaged portion of tooth, exposing the cavity so that it can be worked on. The incisions within the gumline will be carefully sutured to allow for proper healing following your crown lengthening treatment in Washington, DC.

For patients with a broken tooth below the gumline or who have experienced an entire cusp breaking off from the tooth, the gumline will be raised in order to view the portion of the damaged tooth. The bone will then be reduced to a certain level under the fracture line of the tooth to allow Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team adequate space to work on the damaged tooth. The gumline will now be supported on this lower bone position below the damaged tooth. Sutures will be applied to the incisions on the gumline. After the gums have healed from crown lengthening, the tooth can be treated with a restorative procedure. The damaged tooth may be repaired using a variety of procedures, such as dental bonding or dental crowns. Patients recovering from laser crown lengthening for the correction of a gummy smile may experience a shorter recovery period.

What should I expect after crown lengthening?

Following crown lengthening, you may notice gum space missing between the teeth, but the gums will naturally grow into place. Following crown lengthening, you may experience slight bleeding or mild irritation, inflammation, or discomfort at the surgical site. These symptoms will begin to fade as you heal from crown lengthening. The rate of healing will depend on your specific case, what you are having crown lengthening performed for, and how far up the gum must be repositioned. We will be able to answer any questions you have about crown lengthening during your consultation at our Washington, DC office.

How can I get started with crown lengthening?

Dr. Pashapour and his staff at Pashapour Oral + Facial Surgery would be happy to discuss the details of a crown lengthening with you. To schedule an appointment in Washington, DC or Arlington, please call our office at 703-566-1990 or request an appointment online.

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What Our
Patients Say ...

Very positive experience with Dr. Pashapour and his surgical team! I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed and had a speedy recovery. He explained the procedure and after-care in a clear way and politely addressed all of my concerns. Would recommend.

- Joseph J.

Dr. Pashapour is wonderful. He did an excellent job of extracting my impacted wisdom teeth. Dr. Pashapour and his staff were very kind and answered all my questions during the initial consultation. All in all, I've had a very pleasant experience with this office. Thank you.

- Nodir Z.

Dr. Pashapour was thorough and as gentle as possible. I had two follow-up appointments and never felt as if my concerns were dismissed or that I was being annoying. His staff are gracious, friendly, helpful, and very kind. While I hope to not need any more oral surgery, if I do, I will return to Dr. Pashapour and recommend him highly.

- Kate B.

Dr. Pashapour and his staff were highly professional and so nice! They really took the time to explain everything in detail and take care of even the most minute details for me. I had been looking for a dental office like this for a long time and am so glad to have finally found it. Overall, I am extremely pleased – will be recommending this office to everyone!

- Essie Z.

I had my 3 wisdom teeth removed under IV sedation by Dr. Pashapour. He did an excellent job of explaining everything (options, pre-op, post-op expectations, etc.) Scheduling was flexible and easy. No post-operative swelling, infection, or complications. Great experience overall. Highly recommend!

- David C.

I recently paid a visit to Dr. Pashapour for the extraction of two wisdom teeth and the experience was excellent. The office is beautiful. The staff were pleasant and helpful. Dr. Pashapour was very professional, friendly and did a great job on my teeth, and the overall process was as enjoyable as it could be. I would definitely recommend this office to others

- Sacha M.

What an awesome office! I did my research and Dr. Pashapour always rose to the top. He was super friendly and honest. Him and his staff made me feel right at home. Recovery time was insanely fast too (probably due to his expertise.) 10/10 would recommend.

- Jeremy L.

My experience getting all 4 wisdom teeth removed at Dr. Pashapour’s office was as smooth as possible! The entire staff was very helpful answering questions, scheduling appointments, getting situated on the day of surgery, and helping me get back to normal post-procedure. I would definitely recommend Dr. Pashapour to anyone!

- Shawn F.

Dr. Pashapour and his staff are wonderful. Their first concern is that of the patient and they work together well to ensure a comfortable and seamless experience. They are sensitive and caring and listen well. I highly recommend Dr. Pashapour.

- Michele Y.

Dr. Pashapour feels now like an old friend, even though I only saw him twice. He is wonderfully welcoming and kind. I recovered exactly as he said I would from my wisdom teeth removal. I was given exactly the right amount of medicine and ample information about how to take care of my teeth post-op. If you need your wisdom teeth removed, this is the place to do it.

- Dylan Galt.

Wonderful experience as a patient of Dr. Pashapour! Working on my first tooth implant and from consultation to post-surgery, Dr. Pashapour has been incredibly kind and professional every step of the way. Along with an incredibly friendly staff and A+ office, you are in great hands here!

- Jeff R.

Fast to get in for an appointment. The front office staff was absolutely amazing, friendly and knowledgeable. The nurse and Dr. Pashapour were funny and made me feel so comfortable with how nervous I was with getting my wisdom teeth removed. Highly will recommend this office to all friends and family :)

- Krista A.

Great experience. Got my top two wisdom teeth removed. Surgery was done in no time and recovery was nearly painless. On top of that, Dr. Pashapour and his staff are all kind and attentive. Totally recommend his services.

- Andrea B.

My experience at Dr. Pashapour’s office was incredible! The entire staff was super kind and sweet. They really did an amazing job at explaining everything to me at the consultation in order for me to prep for surgery! The day of surgery I felt fine! I will be recommending Dr. Pashapour to all of my friends in need of wisdom teeth extractions. Go see him he’s the best!

- Bianca G.

Staff here is absolutely wonderful and Dr. Pashapour was great. I had complications with my wisdom teeth and they fit me in so quickly to get them out and help with the pain. I hardly had any swelling and any time I’ve needed anything all I had to do was call and they took care of it! I would highly recommend them!

- Alecia D.

This has been by far the best experience I’ve had in all my dental history. Dr. Pashapour is not only knowledgeable but he is very charming and honest. The staff here are extremely patient and friendly. I’d recommend to anyone having oral surgery!

- Kyla H.

They are really friendly, helpful, and professional. They will answer any questions you are concerned about. The staff always have a smile on. I had my wisdom teeth removed and they took care of me. I really recommend doctor Pashapour for anyone that needs to get oral or facial surgery.

- Ragda A.

Dr. Pashapour did a wonderful job with my wisdom teeth extraction. I was very nervous about the whole process but he made me feel at ease with his warm and energetic personality and a great sense of humor. The nurses and staff were also very friendly and welcoming. I HIGHLY recommend him!

- Faryal N.

Dr. Pashapour is wonderful! I've now had three implants and all have went well. The office is very nice and the staff is excellent.

- Ann M.

Dr. Pashapour and his staff are fantastic. They did a great job removing my wisdom teeth and are very professional. They care a great deal about their patients and their expertise really shows in everything they do. Would highly recommend!

- George M.