Enhancing Your Smile and Oral Health with Precision and Comfort

A healthy, balanced smile requires harmony between your teeth and gums. Excess gum tissue or insufficient tooth structure can detract from the appearance and functionality of your smile. At Potomac Periodontics & Dental Implants, Dr. Chris Drennen specializes in precise crown lengthening procedures to restore beauty, symmetry, and health to your smile.

What is Crown Lengthening?

Crown lengthening is a precise periodontal procedure designed to carefully reshape and contour the gum tissue (and sometimes bone) around your teeth, revealing more tooth structure. This treatment can be essential both cosmetically and functionally, providing improved aesthetics, healthier gums, and better tooth restorations.

There are two main types of crown lengthening procedures:

• Aesthetic Crown Lengthening: Designed to reduce a “gummy smile,” exposing more of your natural tooth structure for a more balanced, attractive appearance.

• Functional Crown Lengthening: Provides additional tooth structure to support restorations (such as crowns or veneers), ensuring durability and optimal fit.

When is Crown Lengthening Needed?

Dr. Drennen may recommend crown lengthening in these situations:

Cosmetic Reasons:

• “Gummy smile,” causing teeth to appear short or uneven.

• Desire for a more proportionate, balanced smile.

• Enhancement before cosmetic dental treatments like veneers or crowns.

Functional Reasons:

• Tooth decay or fractures below the gumline.

• Inadequate tooth structure for restoration placement.

• Improving gum health and oral hygiene by reducing deep gum pockets.

Benefits of Crown Lengthening at Potomac Periodontics & Dental Implants

Crown lengthening with Dr. Drennen offers significant aesthetic and oral health advantages:

• Improved Appearance: Immediately enhances smile symmetry and confidence.

• Enhanced Oral Health: Easier brushing and flossing, reducing gum disease risks.

• Facilitates Durable Restorations: Allows for reliable, long-lasting dental restorations.

• Comfortable Procedure: Minimally invasive techniques ensure minimal discomfort.

• Rapid Healing: Meticulous techniques promote fast, predictable recovery.

The Crown Lengthening Procedure

Dr. Drennen follows a careful, patient-focused approach to ensure exceptional outcomes:

Step 1: Comprehensive Examination and Consultation

• Dr. Drennen thoroughly evaluates your gums, teeth, and smile aesthetics.

• Advanced digital imaging precisely measures gum tissue and bone structure.

• Personalized treatment plan created specifically to achieve your desired goals.

Step 2: Precise Local Anesthesia

• Gentle administration of local anesthetic ensures comfort throughout the procedure.

• Additional sedation options available, personalized to your preferences and needs.

Step 3: Meticulous Gum Tissue and Bone Reshaping

• Careful reshaping of gum tissue using minimally invasive techniques.

• If necessary, precise bone contouring gently performed to expose optimal tooth structure.

• Immediate visualization ensures aesthetic balance and optimal function.

Step 4: Final Evaluation and Finishing Touches

• Dr. Drennen carefully assesses your new gumline, making subtle adjustments to achieve perfect symmetry and harmony.

• Gentle suturing (if needed) to facilitate ideal healing.

Recovery and Aftercare

Patients typically experience minimal downtime after crown lengthening. Dr. Drennen provides comprehensive, clear post-procedure care instructions to ensure smooth recovery:

• Initial Healing (1-3 days): Mild swelling or sensitivity; easily managed with over-the-counter medication, ice packs, and rest.

• Dietary Recommendations: Soft foods are recommended initially, gradually returning to normal diet within a few days.

• Oral Hygiene Instructions: Customized guidance for gentle brushing and flossing during the healing period.

• Follow-Up Care: Scheduled follow-up visits to monitor healing progress and ensure ideal outcomes.

Why Choose Dr. Chris Drennen for Your Crown Lengthening?

When selecting Potomac Perio for crown lengthening, you’re assured exceptional results and compassionate care:

• Advanced Expertise: Board-certified periodontist with specialized training and experience in precise, aesthetically driven crown lengthening.

• Patient-Focused Philosophy: Personalized treatment planning tailored to your exact aesthetic and functional goals.

• Precision Techniques: Employing state-of-the-art instruments and meticulous surgical methods for consistently outstanding outcomes.

• Comfortable Experience: Emphasis on patient comfort throughout the entire treatment process, including sedation options if desired.

Is Crown Lengthening Right for You?

Crown lengthening may be an ideal solution if you:

• Feel self-conscious about a gummy smile.

• Have insufficient tooth structure affecting restoration placement.

• Experience persistent gum health issues due to uneven gum tissue.

Dr. Drennen will personally assess your individual situation, thoroughly discussing your treatment options and anticipated outcomes.

Schedule Your Crown Lengthening Consultation Today

Rediscover confidence in your smile with expert crown lengthening from Dr. Chris Drennen at Potomac Periodontics & Dental Implants. Schedule your personalized consultation today.