How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?

Crown lengthening is a common, outpatient procedure that is used to correct a gummy smile or to prepare a tooth for a restoration. People who have a gummy smile have gum tissue that covers too much tooth structure, giving the appearance of very tiny teeth. Those who need to have crown lengthening for a restorative procedure often only need one tooth treated. If a tooth needs a crown or has broken, crown lengthening can be used to expose more tooth structure, giving the restoration more surface to adhere to.

How long does crown lengthening take?

Depending on the number of teeth being treated, most of the time, crown lengthening can be completed in under an hour at one appointment. For patients who are having a gummy smile fixed, treatment will take a little longer.

Healing time is a bit more extensive, up to 12 weeks, but you only need to change your routine a little for a few days. For the first few days after surgery, it is normal to experience minor bleeding, as well as swelling and some pain. If you have profuse bleeding that will not stop, you need to see your doctor as soon as possible. Swelling can be reduced with an ice pack held on the spot in intervals of 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. Pain should be able to be managed with over-the-counter pain medications, and your doctor may prescribe pain medication, which should only be taken as directed when necessary.

How do I take care of my surgery site?

Again, in the first few days after surgery, we will need to adhere to a soft food diet and avoid anything difficult to chew, very crunchy, and even spicy things, which can cause damage to your sutures. You should also avoid things with small seeds, like poppy seeds, that can get stuck in your surgical site.

Modifications need to be made to your oral hygiene routine as well. While it is important to continue brushing and flossing, you should avoid your surgery site for 7 to 10 days until your stitches are removed. During this time, you can use a Q-tip to gently clean the area. Once your dentist determines that you are healed enough to return to your normal oral care routine, you can resume brushing and flossing as before.

How do I know if I need crown lengthening?

If you have a gummy smile, Crown lengthening and gum contouring will be at the discretion of your periodontist. If they determine that you are a candidate, they will schedule you for treatment. On the other hand, if you are having crown lengthening to prepare a tooth for restoration, your dentist will refer you to a periodontist for evaluation.

The periodontist will examine your X-rays and evaluate the area to be treated. It is important to disclose all medical history information and medications to your periodontist. After treatment, you may be sent directly to your dentist for restoration, or they may have you wait until the site is healed to finish restorative treatment.

Related Article: Crown Lengthening Pain Healing & Risks