Crown Lengthening
At Rifkin & Raanan, we offer several premier cosmetic dental procedures that will improve the aesthetics of your smile. One of these procedures, known as a crown lengthening, can give you a more balanced and beautiful smile, specifically if you have excess gum tissue that covers your teeth. We refer to this problem as a “gummy" smile. Excess gum tissue can make beautiful, bright teeth appear much more short. The crown lengthening procedure may be the best possible solution if you want to properly showcase your teeth. Thanks to many years of experience Dr. Rifkin has mastered the crown lengthening procedure, making it relatively quick, easy, and pain-free. It is also completely safe. He has performed the procedure on some of the world’s most famous faces, and you could be next!
Crown Lengthening Procedure
Before we proceed with the procedure, Dr. Rifkin must first determine if you are a suitable candidate for a crown lengthening. The procedure is designed to eliminate the excess gum tissue and expose more of the tooth. Once the procedure is complete, you should have a more natural, even, and esthetically-pleasing gum line.
After Dr. Rifkin has determined than an esthetic gum lift is right for you, we will schedule your procedure. Most crown lengthening procedures can be completed in a single appointment. The exact length of your visit depends on several factors, including the number of teeth involved, the removal of bone, and the amount of gum tissue present. Even if only one tooth needs correcting, we may lengthen the surrounding teeth as well to create a more even appearance.
Before we begin, Dr. Rifkin will administer local anesthetic to numb the area and eliminate discomfort. Next, we will use a special laser to make an incision in the gum tissue and provide access to the roots of your teeth, as well as the underlying bone. The laser cuts through tissue and cauterizes the wounds at the same time. This can significantly reduce the amount of swelling, beading, and recovery time. In many cases, we will remove a small portion of the underlying bone as well.
Once we remove all of the excess tissue, we will wash the gums with a sterile solution to prevent infection and other post-operative complications. Laser treatment does not require stiches. In the past we had to use a scalpel to make the incisions. This lead to significantly more bleeding, pain, and swelling. It also lengthens your recovery time. These days, your gums should heal in about a week or two.
Any pain, swelling, or bleeding after your procedure should be minor, or even non-existent. If you do have pain, it can usually be eliminated with over-the-counter medications, such as Advil or Tylenol. If your crown lengthening is done in conjunction with any other cosmetic procedure, you may experience a longer healing period. Many times, a crown lengthening is part of a larger service we provide known as a full mouth reconstruction.
A crown lengthening can also be used for restorative reasons. We may recommend a crown lengthening If a tooth has broken off just above the gumline, or an existing restoration has fallen off. This gives us more tooth to work with when placing a new restoration, such as a dental crown.
Testimonials
People rated our Services
“Dr Rifkin has the hands of an angel. Never had any pain with his procedures. He is the Michelangelo of restorative dentistry. I’ve been going to him for forty years and will be going to him after he retires.”
“Dr. Rifkin is simply the best. Not everybody is lucky enough to become his patient. He is a caring Dentist first. Period. But he is also an artist with an eye for detail ... just a rare find. His smiles are so natural, so translucent and luminous you would never know that they aren't made by nature.”
“Great experience Dr. Rifkin and his staff are both pleasant and professional. It’s over a two hour drive for me but worth the trip for superior dentistry!”
Benefits of a Crown Lengthening
We offer the crown lengthening procedure because of its many benefits, some of which include:
- Improved Esthetics. A crown lengthening will “lift” the gum tissue and expose more of the tooth, making your smile look proportional.
- Improved Confidence. An uneven or esthetically-displeasing smile can affect the way we feel about ourselves. Knowing that your smile is at its best can improve your self-confidence. You may find yourself smiling and laughing more than before. You may even be more out-going in social situations!
- Permanent Results. A crown lengthening is a permanent procedure will change your smile forever, unlike other cosmetic procedures, that require repairs, replacement, and touch-ups.
- Restorative Value. Crown lengthening will allow us to place a restoration over a tooth when it would otherwise be impossible.
- Safety. The procedure is minimally-invasive and low-risk. Dr. Rifkin has the experience and training to provide a comfortable, safe, and effective experience. The is one of the many reasons why we are Beverley Hills’ first choice when it comes to cosmetic and restorative dentistry!
Find out if a crown lengthening is right for you! Click or call 310-596-7230 to schedule your consultation now.