While crown lengthening has historically been done surgically, more patients are turning to laser crown lengthening instead due to the many advantages it offers. Laser dentistry procedures are faster, produce less side effects, and promote faster healing.
Before advancements in modern technology, many patients were left with no choice other than invasive surgical methods. Fortunately, laser crown lengthening is considered only minimally invasive and is more comfortable than traditional crown lengthening surgery.
Types of Laser Crown Lengthening
The term laser crown lengthening can encompass several different applications, such as:
Cosmetic-based
People who get laser crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons typically do so to help their teeth look more normal in size. People who have a “gummy smile” have gums that overshadow the natural size of their teeth. Laser crown lengthening may increase one’s confidence and make them more likely to smile without being self-conscious.
Restoration-based
There may be times that a tooth which is relatively short or worn is not a perfect fit for a crown without some intervention. In cases like these, it may be necessary to lengthen the root of a tooth so that a more standard size crown can be fitted to the tooth.
Therapy-based
When unwanted pockets grow in the gums, they can harbor harmful bacteria and be difficult to clean, which can lead to damaging tooth decay and more. To help keep the pockets from becoming so deep, it may be possible to do therapy-based laser crown lengthening.
Meyerland Family Dentistry can help patients interested in laser crown lengthening.
Advantages of Laser Crown Lengthening
Dental procedures done with lasers yield many advantages, such as:
- Minimally invasive treatment. Dental lasers are effective tools that work quickly and less invasively than surgical implements.
- No general anesthesia required. While localized anesthesia may be required to numb the affected area, general anesthesia is not required.
- No stitches needed. Since dental lasers cauterize as they go and are designed to reduce the amount of bleeding a patient experiences, laser crown lengthening does not typically involve stitches.
- Decreased swelling and irritation. While it is somewhat normal to experience some degree of swelling and irritation after a dental procedure, laser crown lengthening produces less swelling than surgical crown lengthening.
- Dental lasers utilize a thin, focused beam of light energy, which allows the laser to be more precise and accurate than manual oral surgery.
- Less chance of an infection. As a dental laser works, it kills bacteria and sterilizes the affected area. This generally leaves patients less susceptible to developing an infection.
- Faster recovery timeline. With less bleeding, less anesthesia, and less chance of an infection, the benefits of laser crown lengthening add up to a faster recovery time for patients.
What Happens During A Laser Crown Lengthening Procedure
The dentist or hygienist will do a physical examination including dental x-rays to determine whether laser crown lengthening is a good option for the patient. Once that is determined, the next step may be making a separate appointment for the procedure.
The patient should expect to have their teeth cleaned before any work begins as this can help cut down on bacteria and decrease the risk of infection.
Anesthesia is normally localized, but there are other options for patients who require something stronger or suffer with dental anxiety. Once the area is numb, the laser crown lengthening procedure can begin. The laser uses a beam of light to help sculpt and cut into the gum tissue to remove tissue as needed. One of the perks of laser crown lengthening is that it cauterizes the tissue as it works, which is effective in reducing the amount of bleeding a patient experiences. The laser also efficiently sterilizes the area it is working in to diminish the presence of bacteria that could lead to infection.
Patients may report feeling a mild degree of swelling and some minor pain after the procedure, but it is usually minimal compared to surgical methods. To manage any pain or swelling, the patient can use a cold compress to reduce swelling. Over-the-counter pain medication may also be helpful.
It is important that patients who have had laser crown lengthening still take care of their teeth after the procedure by gently brushing the teeth.
Until the gums have healed completely from the procedure, the patient should avoid particularly hard or crunchy foods that could irritate or damage the gums, which would extend the timeline for healing.
If you have a gummy smile, laser crown lengthening may be an option for you. Reach out to Meyerland Family Dentistry and schedule an appointment to feel more confident about your smile.