Crown Lengthening Pain, Healing, & Risks
Crown lengthening is a common outpatient procedure that is used to contour the gum tissue and bone structure in order to expose more tooth surface. Crown lengthening is often used in conjunction with dental restoration treatments, as well as cosmetic contouring, especially in patients with a gummy smile.
Performed under a local anesthetic, the procedure begins with a small incision being made in gum tissue at the area to be treated, and then the underlying bone is reshaped and smoothed, and when needed, the gum tissue is trimmed before being sutured back into place. Depending on the extent of treatment, this procedure can often be done within an hour.
Is crown lengthening painful?
Crown lengthening is a type of surgery, so it is normal to expect a certain degree of discomfort after the anesthetic wears off. While pain is subjective, most patients are able to manage discomfort with over-the-counter pain medication. In some cases, your dentist may prescribe pain medication that should only be taken as necessary. A few things that you can do at home to minimize pain during the healing process include:
- Maintain a diet of soft foods, especially avoiding foods that are crunchy or spicy or have small seeds that can become lodged in your surgery site.
- Avoid strenuous activities that can promote bleeding for at least 3 days.
- Do not brush or floss the treated area directly; do so around it and use a Q-tip to gently clean your surgical site.
- Avoid drinking straws, tobacco products, and alcohol.
- Use an ice pack to help with swelling.
How long does it take crown lengthening to heal?
It can take up to 12 weeks for crown length surgery sites to completely heal. This is not to say that you cannot chew or will be out of commission that long, just that you may not be fully back to normal for up to 12 weeks. The better you stick to aftercare instructions, the quicker your healing time will be.
What risks are involved with crown lengthening?
As with any invasive procedure, crown lengthening does have a risk of infection. Take medications as directed. If you were prescribed antibiotics, make sure to finish them to avoid infection.
Minor bleeding can be expected, but if you experience bleeding that does not subside within a few days or is very heavy, make sure to see your doctor as soon as possible. It is also normal to experience some level of sensitivity to hot and cold foods and beverages, which will also subside within a couple of days.
Crown lengthening is a very common procedure performed to correct the gummy smile or to prepare a tooth for restorative treatment. It is important to follow your doctor‘s instructions closely so that your surgery site heals properly and you do not develop an infection.
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