A functional crown lengthening procedure in Durham, NC with Dr. Michael Richter, also called gum contouring, is commonly performed prior to having other periodontal, cosmetic, or restorative treatment.
When is Gum Contouring Necessary?
- When teeth have advanced tooth decay that extends below the gum line
- When teeth are damaged or broken below the gum line
- When supporting bone and gum structure require reinforcement to support a restoration
Functional Crown Lengthening
Unlike esthetic crown lengthening, which is performed mainly to improve the smile's appearance, functional crown lengthening, or gum contouring, is a procedure that is sometimes required to remove excess gum and bone tissue prior to having certain cosmetic and restorative treatments. In most cases, Dr. Richter may suggest gum contouring to address problems that may interfere with the success of a crown, bridge, or other restoration.
Common problems include teeth with advanced decay, teeth that show signs of damage underneath the gum line, or when the gums themselves or the supporting bone are not sufficient enough to accommodate the restoration. In these situations, Dr. Richter can reshape, modify, or reduce the gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth root surface so it can be treated properly during restoration.
This is how a gum contouring procedure works:
- Local anesthetic is applied to the affected areas.
- Incisions are made along the gum line.
- The soft tissue and bone are reshaped and sutured.
After the gum contouring procedure is complete, the tissue will begin to heal. After one to two weeks, the sutures are removed. Another several weeks will be required to allow the gums adequate time to heal completely. Once the healing is complete, the new restoration can be placed.
A functional crown lengthening procedure in Durham, NC with Dr. Richter can get you on your way to a better smile with high quality restorations. Call us today so we can arrange a gum contouring consultation for you.