Crown Lengthening in South Jordan, UT
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, and when something feels off, it can affect far more than just your appearance. Crown lengthening in South Jordan, UT, is a proven periodontal procedure that exposes more of your natural tooth structure, whether you need it to save a damaged tooth or to create a more balanced, confident smile. If you’ve been told you need more tooth structure before a restoration can be placed, this treatment may be exactly what you’ve been looking for.
At Willden Family Dental, we understand dental procedures can be intimidating, especially if past experiences have made you hesitant. Dr. Ryan Willden brings 23 years of expertise to every appointment, and our approach centers on patience, education, and compassion. As part of our advanced care, crown lengthening helps South Jordan patients restore the health of their smile.
What Is Crown Lengthening, and Who Needs It?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure. It removes a small amount of gum tissue and sometimes a small amount of bone to expose more of the natural tooth surface. In functional cases, it gives your dentist access to the tooth structure that sits below the gumline. This helps when a tooth is broken, has deep decay, or needs a crown that would otherwise sit too close to the bone. Aesthetic cases use this procedure to reduce a condition known as a “gummy smile.”
You may be a candidate for crown lengthening in South Jordan if you’ve been told:
- Your tooth is restorable, but it needs more exposed structure first
- If your gum line is uneven
- Your smile reveals more gum tissue than you’d like
According to a review published by the National Institutes of Health, careful assessment of factors such as bone levels, gum tissue, and tooth structure is essential to achieving successful crown lengthening outcomes. Our team evaluates your unique oral anatomy before recommending a treatment path.
From your first visit, our focus is on you. We prioritize clear communication, comfort, and customized treatment solutions designed to help you feel confident in your care.
What Does the Crown Lengthening Procedure Look Like?
Before anything happens, we start with a thorough consultation. We’ll take X-rays, evaluate your gum and bone levels, and talk through your goals and concerns. If you have dental anxiety, we encourage you to be open about that with us. We offer sedation options for patients who want to feel more relaxed during treatment, and we’ll help you choose the level of comfort that’s right for you.
During the Procedure
Crown lengthening is usually performed with local anesthesia. The area will be numb, and you should feel little to no discomfort. The procedure involves:
- Gently moving back the gum tissue to access the area around the tooth
- Removing a small amount of gum tissue and, when needed, a small amount of bone
- Reshaping the tissue to expose the appropriate amount of tooth surface
- Cleaning the area and placing sutures to allow for proper healing
The entire process usually takes between one and two hours, depending on how many teeth are involved. Our in-ceiling TVs and noise-canceling headphones are there to help you stay comfortable and distracted throughout.
After the Procedure
Most patients return to normal activity within a day or two, though it takes several weeks for the gum tissue to fully settle into its new position. We’ll provide detailed aftercare instructions and schedule a follow-up to ensure healing is progressing well. Final restorative work, such as placing a crown, is typically completed a few months later once the tissue has stabilized.
How Does Crown Lengthening Support a Complete Smile?
When a tooth is too damaged or decayed to be restored on its own, this procedure allows the natural tooth to be saved rather than extracted. Preserving your natural teeth for as long as possible has long-term benefits for your bite, your jaw health, and your overall quality of life. In cases where a tooth cannot be saved, crown lengthening may inform a clearer treatment plan, which could include dental implants (dental screws or posts) to replace the missing tooth in a stable, lasting way.
On the cosmetic side, crown lengthening pairs well with other cosmetic dentistry treatments. For example, patients who want porcelain veneers sometimes need gum levels adjusted first to create a symmetrical canvas. When your gumline is even and properly proportioned, every cosmetic enhancement looks more natural and intentional.
How Much Does a Crown Lengthening Procedure Cost in South Jordan, UT?
We believe that every patient deserves access to quality dental care, regardless of their budget. The cost of crown lengthening varies depending on the complexity of your case and the planned follow-up treatment. We’re happy to talk through what makes sense for your situation at your consultation.
Long-term, preserving a natural tooth or preparing for a well-placed restoration is almost always more valuable than deferring treatment. Our office offers flexible financing options, including CareCredit, to make quality tooth replacement affordable and accessible for our patients. We also partner with SelectHealth and Regence BlueCross BlueShield to help patients maximize their coverage.
Schedule a Consultation for Crown Lengthening at Willden Family Dental
Crown lengthening in South Jordan, UT, is a straightforward, effective procedure that opens the door to better dental health, a healthier gumline, and a more confident smile. Whether your dentist has recommended it to save a compromised tooth or you’re looking to refine your smile as part of a larger cosmetic plan, our team has the experience and compassion to guide you through every step.
If you’ve been putting off dental care because of past experiences or fear of the unknown, we want to help you change that. Dr. Willden and our team are here to answer your questions, walk you through your options, and make sure you feel supported from your first consultation through your final result. Give our office a call or use our contact form to schedule your appointment today.
Dentist South Jordan Utah
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(801) 446-4668
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