Tooth Lengthening
Berkeley Parents Network >
Advice >
Advice about Health >
Tooth Lengthening
Oct 2003
My dentist has recommended that I undergo a ''tooth lengthening''
procedure to create more surface area on a tooth that is covered
by a cap. The first cap fell off after 5 years, presumably
because there wasn't enough tooth left for it to grip. As I
understand it, the proceedure involves, lowering the gumline to
reveal more of the tooth.
I'm curious to hear from others who have undergone this procedure
for how effective it was, and whether it is unpleasant to undergo.
I'm also curious if anyone can comment on Dr. Rech of Berkeley
and El Cerrito as he is the specialist who I've been referred to.
Thanks,
Donna
I had my gumline lowered about 4 years ago for a similar
reason, I got a cavity at the edge of a crown and in order to
fill it they had to ''lengthen'' the tooth. Warning: Graphic
explaination of the surgery follows: They cut the gumline and
expose the bone then they file the bone down and stitch the
gums back up. It is the same surgery, as I understand it, that
they do if you have severe gum disease. It was very unpleasant
to undergo. Mostly because the filing of the bone takes a
while and is very loud (even music through headphones cannot
cover it). I do not remember it being very painful, however.
I remember being prescribed ibuprofen and the Dr. had me start
taking it 2 days before to make sure it was in my system and
really effective from the get go. They put a plaster ''cast'' on
the area so you can eat while you recover. I have not had any
more problems with that tooth.
Good Luck!
Jennifer
I was also referred to Dr. Rech a few years ago for tooth lengthening. I
have a molar that broke, leaving only a piece of tooth remaining, much
longer on one side than the other. I was told that in order to put a crown
on the tooth I would need what I believe was called crown lenghtening.
My dentist put some sort of filling material on it temporarily, something
he referred to as ''third world dentistry'' and I've been living with it like
this for a couple of years. When I initially saw Dr. Rech he seemed
pleasant enough, but the procedure sounded a bit unpleasant to me (as
do many dental procedures), and I decided to put it off. At my most
recent checkup my dentist mentioned that we really needed to put a
crown on this particular tooth and when I mentioned the crown
lengthening procedure he said it was no longer necessary. It seems
that the gum had receded on its own sufficiently. I don't know if this
happens frequently, but I was certainly glad that I hadn't undergone
unnecessary surgery.
Judy
I just recently had two molars lengthened. Since it's only been
a few months I can't say how effective it was, but I can tell
you that the actual procedure wasn't too bad. I didn't feel a
thing and the only creepy part was when I heard the dentist
scraping on my tooth/jaw.
Recovery took some time -- I had some soreness in my gums and
had to be careful eating. But overall it more just annoying
than painful.
I used Dr. Saltzman in Larkspur (Marin). He was excellent.
Good luck!
Rotten Teeth
this page was last updated: Apr 17, 2005
The opinions and statements expressed on this website
are those of parents who subscribe to the
Berkeley Parents Network.
Please see
Disclaimer & Usage for
information about using content on this website.
Copyright © 1996-2013 Berkeley Parents Network