Overview
At Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons, board-certified oral surgery experts Drs. Stephen DeMarco, Diego Miron, and Luis Delgado are highly proficient in crown lengthening to improve the appearance and health of the smile. Crown lengthening is a common technique used to expose more of the enamel surface by removing and reshaping excess or overgrown gum tissues and bone surrounding the teeth. We use the latest in techniques to perform crown lengthening for cosmetic reasons, to enhance the look of a "gummy" smile, and for functional concerns, such as when not enough of a tooth is visible above the gumline to hold a crown, filling, or other restoration. For more information on crown lengthening procedures from our caring surgical team, contact our Albany, NY practice and reserve your visit today.
Best Candidates
Ideal candidates for crown lengthening should be in good overall health, particularly when it comes to the gums. Issues, like periodontal (gum) disease, may need to be treated before crown lengthening is performed. Most frequently, crown lengthening is performed for aesthetic reasons to fix a "gummy" smile that may cause the front teeth to appear short. In these situations, excess gum and bone tissue can be eliminated to balance the ratio of visible enamel to gums and offer you an even, more attractive gumline. However, functional crown lengthening may also be required to allow for the placement of a dental restoration. In cases where tooth structure damage or decay sits at or below the gumline, our surgeons may need to remove a small amount of gum and bone tissue from around the tooth to expose an adequate amount of enamel over which a crown, filling, or other restoration can be placed.
What To Expect
To begin the procedure, local anesthesia is applied to the treatment areas to minimize your discomfort. Other sedation methods can be discussed during your consultation with our team to help you stay calm and comfortable throughout the process. After your mouth is prepared, excess gum (and possibly bone) tissue will be gently removed using an advanced precision technique to show more of your enamel. Your gumline will also be sculpted and contoured for an even look. As soon as your crown lengthening procedure is finished, we will rinse your tissues and provide post-operative instructions for care.
Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons Reviews
Yesterday I visited the office for the final procedure of my implant, "journey." I arrived early, took a seat in the waiting area and my name was called almost immediately. I was escorted to the procedure room by a bright, cheerful nurse, who explained what would be happening this visit. I mentioned that I am an anxious person and I was calmed by their understanding of my anxiety, Their confidence assured me that this procedure would get done, that day. As a person who has struggled with anxiety and suffered from crippling panic attacks for decades, it was significant to feel that confidence from them. I had a very real concern that I would have a panic attack which would prevent the completion of the procedure that visit. As I reclined in the procedure room a second nurse, just as warm and upbeat as the first, entered the room, as well as the Doctor, and the procedure commenced. I can only estimate, heaven knows I'm no oral surgeon, that roughly 90% through the procedure, I felt my anxiety take hold and take over my body. Panic attacks are pretty paralyzing by nature and mine happen to be extremely physical. First I feel light headed, then all color leaves my face, then I break out in a full body sweat, followed by visible chills. The instant the color left my face, the doctor and nurses took action. The procedure was stopped. I was feeling helpless, scared, embarrassed, and guilty that I was taking time from these individuals and waiting patients. Then the swift, expert caregiving began. An ice pack was applied to the back of my neck, then another was applied to my forehead. (it's worth mentioning, an ice pack without a hand to hold it rarely stays. So I was single handedly monopolizing one nurse, who was kind enough to hold the ice pack against my head) I was given constant compassionate reassurance by the nurses and doctor that everything was alright. I was gently instructed to breathe slowly through my nose. My condition was not improving significantly, so a nurse handed me a cup of apple juice and encouraged me to sip. Slowly I sat up and not long after I felt my physically symptomatic panic take over, again. I gave only the slightest indication I was going down-hill and one of the two nurses reclined the chair I was in again. An I.V. was quickly and skillfully placed and fluids were administered. At this point I had two ice packs (one nurses' hand), oxygen and an I.V. A precarious position to be in for an individual deep into a panic attack. Some time passed and I was soothed by the cool collected casual conversation of the two attending nurses. The doctor said that he only had one quick thing to do before my procedure was completed, and I was happy to get that quick step over and done right then. The doctor took maybe 30 seconds to complete that last step and then that was done. Unfortunately, my anxiety was not. There was nothing more that could be done for my body to improve my condition. I needed something that cannot be packaged or sterilized, something that brings comfort to the soul... and that something was being in the presence of two of the most warm, caring, down to earth, hilarious, professional women I've ever had the pleasure of almost losing consciousness around. Brittany and Kaylee were a dream. Their lighthearted conversation distracted my anxious brain and their attentiveness to my condition made me feel safe. At no point did I feel rushed or that I was an inconvenience of any kind, something that, sadly, is incredibly rare in a medical practice. These two women are incredible, compassionate caregivers. They are a joy to be around. True treasures. I cannot possibly express my gratitude for the care and reassurance that I received from Brittany and Kaylee, but I thought I'd do my best to try.
Absolutely 100% ! A plus. 4.0. On every level. Dr. Diego Miron and associate professionals and complete Staff! And a big thank you for my Dentist Dr Walsh #1 for the referral!
The entire experience was excellent, all staff and Dr Delgado were the most professional I've ever met. They are the best!
Very friendly staff. Strongly recommended 👍👍👍
I’m incredibly thankful for Dr. Miron and his team for taking me in. I was in a lot of pain due to my wisdom teeth and they removed them that week. Great communication and professionalism, and they were very kind. Hope to be back to get further work done.
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4.9
Average Rating
Recovery
Following your crown lengthening procedure, your gum tissues and bone may be tender or sore. Over-the-counter pain relievers and cold compresses can be used to lessen your discomfort. It may be helpful to stick to a liquid or soft food diet for a few days as your gums recover. Special instructions for how to care for your teeth and gums as you heal will be reviewed by our clinical team. In some cases, you might need to schedule a follow-up appointment at Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons so that we can monitor your healing. Our surgeons will also let you know when a tooth can receive a restoration following a functional crown lengthening procedure.
Insurance Coverage
Dental insurance providers may cover a part of the expense for crown lengthening, depending on why the procedure is being performed. Our financial team will get in touch with your provider to determine what your out-of-pocket expenses might be prior to your visit. To help you comfortably cover any personal costs, Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons accepts a variety of easy payment options. We can also give you information on medical financing that may help to make your dental treatments even more affordable.
Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening may be the ideal solution for enhancing the look of a gummy smile or creating the space necessary for a tooth restoration. Our experienced Albany, NY team uses our refined skill and state-of-the-art technology to provide the precision crown lengthening results you may need for better oral health. Schedule a consultation with Capital District Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons to determine if you are a candidate for aesthetic or functional crown lengthening procedures.