Laser crown lengthening vs. conventional? (Non-cosmetic)

Question

Recently, I had crown lengthening using conventional means (requiring sutures and packing), done by a periodontist. I'm healing well, but it was a huge pain. Now, I'm considering seeing a new dentist who does his own crown lengthening using lasers. Sounds great, and would save me thousands...but I'm finding it difficult to research conventional vs. laser. Can anyone speak to the pros and cons of each? Is laser CL practical and effective?

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

Your situation may be perfect, as lasers are great as a "fine tune" treatment.  There are two types of tissues to treat, bone and gums. To treat bone, the laser must be erbium.  This may not contour the bone as well as conventional methods, but if conventional was already done, then "finishing touches" can be done.  Even easier is if it is just gum contours, which a diode or Nd:yag laser does very well.Lasers are nicer than blades in that the nerve endings are affected so post op pain is much less and healing is faster.

Neville Richter, DDS · Answer

There is no doubt in my mind that using conventional gum surgery gives you way more control. Gum surgery sometimes reveals that you may need addition of bone or grafting, and other minor complications that are done so much more easily by conventional means then with laser.

Brandon G. Katz, DDS · Answer

When it comes to the crown lengthening procedure the advantages of the laser do include less pain and quicker healing.  The disadvantage of having the procedure performed by laser is that if the bone level needs to be altered, visualization of the osseous contours is compromised.

Laser crown lengthening vs. conventional? (Non-cosmetic)

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Laser crown lengthening vs. conventional? (Non-cosmetic)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.