Description

Crown lengthening and frenectomy (both surgical and laser) are common periodontal procedures performed for functional and aesthetic reasons in dental practice. Crown Lengthening Purpose: Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure to expose more tooth structure by removing or repositioning gum tissue and sometimes bone. It is indicated when there is insufficient clinical crown height due to subgingival decay, fracture, or excessive gum covering the tooth, or to improve aesthetics such as reducing a gummy smile.​ Types: It can be: Functional: To provide adequate tooth structure for restoration (e.g., fitting crowns), avoid biological width violation, or access subgingival caries and fractures. Esthetic: Mainly for anterior teeth to correct excessive gingival display and improve smile aesthetics.​ Procedure: Involves gingival tissue recontouring and possibly alveolar bone removal to create sufficient tooth exposure. Surgical guides may be used for precision, and healing takes a few weeks before final restoration.​ Considerations: Crown-to-root ratio, biological width preservation, and overall aesthetics are important for treatment planning.​ Frenectomy (Surgical and Laser) Purpose: Frenectomy involves removing or modifying a frenum (a fold of tissue that connects the lip, cheek, or tongue to the gum or underlying bone) that causes problems such as gum recession, spacing between teeth, speech difficulties, or discomfort. Types: Surgical Frenectomy: Traditional scalpel technique to excise the frenum tissue, often requiring sutures and a longer healing time. Laser Frenectomy: Utilizes dental lasers for precise removal or modification of the frenum, resulting in less bleeding, reduced discomfort, minimal swelling, and faster healing compared to surgical methods. Indications: Diastema closure, tongue-tie correction (ankyloglossia), improving denture fit, and allowing orthodontic treatment progress. Benefits of Laser over Surgical Frenectomy Minimal bleeding due to laser coagulation. Less post-operative pain and swelling. Reduced need for sutures. Faster healing and less risk of infection. Summary: Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure to expose more tooth tissue for restorations or aesthetic improvements, involving gum and sometimes bone removal. Frenectomy removes or modifies problematic frena to improve oral function and aesthetics, with laser techniques offering a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgery.​ If required, more details about procedure steps, recovery, or indications can be provided