AESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING Los Angeles

dental crown lengthening los angeles

Fix Your Gummy Smile With AESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING

A beautiful smile is often attributed to straight, white teeth. But truthfully, a picture perfect smile begins with healthy gums. A gummy smile occurs simply when a patient smiles and too much gum tissue is exposed. For many patients, they are born with an excess amount of gum tissue that covers their tooth roots, causing their teeth to appear much shorter than they actually are. Although the underlying teeth may be healthy, it is hidden beneath the gum tissue, which causes a child-like appearance of the teeth.

AESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING PROCEDURE

 

Aesthetic dental crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that can be used to improve a gummy smile. A gummy smile is caused by excessive gum tissue which covers the teeth creating a short and child-like appearance. This cutting-edge periodontal technique involves removing the excess gum tissue, and re-contouring the gum line to expose more of the natural tooth, creating a fuller, more attractive smile. When preparing for dental restorations in the case of functional crown lengthening, the underlying bone may be modified to allow your periodontist to place a permanent restoration such as a crown.

Aesthetic Crown lengthening is normally performed under local anesthetic and IV sedation. The duration of the procedure will depend on how many teeth are being treated and whether any amount of bone needs to be removed along with the soft tissue. Once the periodontist achieves an aesthetically pleasing crown length, the treated area is cleaned and restored to an ideal appearance. At their Brentwood office, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky perform aesthetic crown lengthening to provide their patients with a natural looking, fuller smile.

esthetic crown lengthening beverly hills

WHAT CAUSES A GUMMY SMILE

For some patients, a gummy smile is caused by a hyperactive upper lip, where their lip raises to expose their gums when speaking and smiling. For others, a gummy smile can be caused by altered passive eruption, a condition in which the relationship between the teeth, alveolar bone and soft tissue results in an excessive gingival display. Because there are several causes of a gummy smile it is important to schedule a consultation with a periodontist, a dental specialist who is an expert in treating the gums and gum related issues, to properly diagnose the cause of your gummy smile.

There are several factors to take into consideration and sometimes complications with your gums can be signs of larger underlying complications. Therefore your first step in achieving your dream smile should be to see a board-certified periodontist who can provide an accurately diagnosis and create a treatment plan to meet your specific needs. 

Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are the only dual-board certified periodontists in the Brentwood Area, and are committed to providing each patient with the personalized, comprehensive periodontal care they deserve. 

AESTHETIC CROWN LENGTHENING IN LOS ANGELES

 

At the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy, we offer advanced treatment methods and comfortable, effective care to restore your oral health, transform your smile, and help you feel confident in your skin again!

Gummy smiles can be caused by several factors, and it’s important to correctly assess the cause in order to find the right solution. Different causes each require different treatment plans, which is why it’s necessary to see a board-certified periodontist, who is an expert in diagnosing complications with the mouth, teeth, gums and jaws.

Because there are several causes of a gummy smile, some which may indicate underlying health issues, or larger complications with the teeth, gums or jaws, it is crucial to schedule a consultation with a periodontist who can accurately diagnose your case, and create a customized treatment plan. At the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are the only dual-board certified periodontists in the Brentwood, Los Angeles area. They are experts at diagnosing patients, and provide treatment plans that include effective, comfortable and optimal care, all while delivering life-changing results to their patients. To learn more about Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky, read their complete biographies here. 

A gummy smile can be caused by several issues, and it is imperative to schedule a consultation with a periodontist who can accurately diagnose your unique case. At the CENTER for Advanced Periodontal and Implant Therapy, the only dual-board certified practice in Brentwood, Los Angeles, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky are experts in diagnosing and treating a range of periodontal and oral health conditions. With a comprehensive assessment of your specific needs, your trusted Brentwood periodontists will properly determine the cause of your gummy smile, and create a specialized treatment plan to restore your smile and confidence! 

What to Expect During crown lengthening Recovery

Due to the IV sedation benefits and the medication prescribed after the procedure, recovery from aesthetic crown lengthening is usually very easy and smooth. Typically, patients will be asked to ice the area for 24 hours and to take a light anti-inflammatory for few days. A custom post-operative regimen will be given to patients based on their personal treatment needs. During the first few days after the procedure, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky recommend that patients eat bland, soft foods, and avoid consuming anything too hot. Patients should also refrain from drinking alcohol and engaging in strenuous physical activity (such as going to the gym or lifting weights) to prevent excessive bleeding. 

Take a look at some of our amazing crown lengthening before and after patient cases in our smile gallery.

patient close up before and after crown lengthening surgery

questions around crown lengthening

Q: What is aesthetic crown lengthening?
A: Crown lengthening is a procedure where gum tissue and/or the bone surrounding a tooth is removed in order to expose more of the tooth’s crown (the visible portion of the tooth).
Q: Why is crown lengthening recommended?
A: Crown lengthening can be recommended for several reasons: 1) for an aesthetically-pleasing smile, 2) to expose more of the tooth in order for your dentist to place a crown, 3) to expose an area of decay below the gum line in order to perform a filling. 
Q: What is the cost of crown lengthening?

A: Dental insurance will sometimes cover some of the costs of the crown lengthening procedure, but that depends what the purpose of the surgery is. For example, dental insurance is more likely to cover a procedure to repair a broken or damaged tooth than a strictly cosmetic procedure. Therefore, it’s essential to check with your insurance provider for further information.

Crown lengthening cost varies from patient to patient depending on the extent of treatment required and how many teeth need to have the crown lengthened. If you are interested in having a crown lengthening procedure, you will likely need to address your entire gum line to improve your smile. Our board-certified periodontists can accurately diagnose your unique case and suggest a comprehensive treatment plan to address your dental goals and make your smile look its best.

Q: When correcting my gummy smile, why should I choose aesthetic crown lengthening over Botox?
A: Aesthetic crown lengthening and Botox have different indication bases on the proper diagnosis of why you have a gummy smile. Botox treats gummy smiles that are related to a very strong upper lip muscle displaying the gums (known as “hyperactive lip”). Botox will neutralize the lip muscle and let it drape down, covering the teeth in the process. This usually must be repeated every six months, unless you decide to have Dr. Aalam or Dr. Krivitsky surgically correct the lip position with a simple and painless in-office procedure (surgical lip repositioning). Aesthetic crown lengthening treats gummy smile that are caused by short teeth that are covered by too much gums. During your initial consultation, Dr. Aalam and Dr. Krivitsky will determine the cause of your gummy smile and decide on the most cost-effective and risk-effective way to treat it.
Q: How long will I feel pain after my surgery?
A: For most patients, there may be some discomfort for 2-3 days following their crown lengthening surgery, which can be managed with aspirin-free oral pain medication.
Q: How soon can I resume work?

A: Typically, you will be able to return to work after one or two days after your procedure. It is recommended to avoid heavy lifting or working out for at least 3-4 days to allow your body to heal.

 

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American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Academy of Periodontology
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
American Board of Periodontology
American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
American Academy of Periodontology
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
American Board of Periodontology
American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry
American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry
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