Crown Lengthening for Restoration

Having a healthy and attractive smile is important for total body health and confidence! For teeth that need work done below the gum line, Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS performs crown lengthening at his Fullerton, CA dental office.

Crown lengthening is needed when there is decay beneath the gum line or if a crown needs to be replaced, but the tooth has been broken off below the gum line. In addition, some people have what is commonly referred to as a “gummy” smile. This is when excess gum tissues covers part of the teeth, making them appear shorter than they are. The crown lengthening will be performed to make the teeth more aesthetically pleasing.

First, Dr. Meyer will make incisions to the gums to pull them back. In some cases, this is all that needs to be done to expose more of the teeth. In other cases, the bone tissue there holding the tooth in will also need to be removed. The gums are then cleaned with sterile salt water and stitched into place. When a crown lengthening is performed, even if only one tooth needs to be worked on, several teeth in the area will also be lengthened so that the gum line can heal in a natural line.

If you are in need of dental work below the gum line, or even want to see if crown lengthening can help a “gummy” smile, trust skilled and experienced Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS, of Fullerton, CA. To schedule an appointment, call (714) 879-7943. For more information, visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. 

Post- Extraction Care

Having a tooth pulled is usually not the loveliest experience, but Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS can prepare you for the experience by letting you know what the after care will be like. Being prepared usually allows for the best and smoothest outcomes.

Right after an extraction, gauze will probably be placed on the site to control bleeding. Along with the gauze, avoid laying down flat. Propping your head up on a pillow will be the best position so that blood pumped to the head does not cause more bleeding. Also drink plenty of water, but avoid using a straw for the same reason. Pain medication recommended or prescribed by Dr. Meyer should be taken as directed and used before the anesthesia fully wears off. An icepack held to your face may help with pain and swelling, as well. A diet of soft foods will be recommended until your mouth heals a little more. Continue to brush your teeth and your tongue, avoiding the site of the extraction. Smoking and other tobacco use can slow down healing and promote infection. It is recommended not to use tobacco products until the area is well healed. Although, for oral and total health, smoking and tobacco use is never recommended at any time, even after healing.

For more information about how to care for an extraction site after a tooth is pulled, visit our website, www.fullertondental.com. Appointments with Dr. Eric M. Meyer, DDS can be made at (714) 879-7943 or at our website.