Crown Lengthening Pain, Healing, & Risks
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth beneath the gum. Dental surgeons recontour the gum tissue, and even sometimes the bone, to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This is a fairly common procedure and only takes about an hour to complete. There are a few main reasons for the procedure, which include but are not limited to:
- To allow space for a dental crown: The most common reason for crown lengthening is to support a crown. If your tooth is weak, damaged, or even chipped, the quick procedure can solve that issue. A crown is a tooth-shaped cap. If your tooth isn’t long enough to support the cap, your gums may need to be lifted back to expose more of the tooth.
- To minimize an excessive “gummy smile”: This procedure can also be done for cosmetic reasons, such as limiting an excessive gingival or “gummy smile.” This is when someone has a large amount of gum tissue on top of their teeth that appears when smiling. If you can relate to this, reach out to your dentist; you might be a great candidate for the procedure.
- To manage or prevent tooth decay: When a tooth has excessive decay or a fracture that goes below the gumline, the crown lengthening procedure may be necessary to expose the area and treat it. Once the gums are pulled back, this allows for more comfort and hygiene.
Does the procedure hurt?
During the procedure, the dentist will either provide local anaesthesia around the area or general anaesthesia if recommended. After the procedure, it will wear off, and you may feel tenderness or soreness in the area. Generally, this will last for the first 1-2 days after the procedure. The dentist may prescribe you pain relievers or a mouth rinse to help with recovery, and you will likely be recommended to take ibuprofen or Tylenol in intervals.
What is the recovery process like?
The recovery process for a crown lengthening procedure is more or less straightforward, and practicing good oral hygiene throughout the process will help enormously. Your dentist will provide you with a recommended care regimen for optimal healing, such as a saltwater rinse or avoidance of certain foods. Practicing good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing carefully to keep the area clean and free of bacteria will speed up the healing process.
Possible Risks
Like many other general oral surgeries, there is some risk of infection. It is important to follow your dentist’s plan for postoperative care to ensure a quick and healthy recovery. You may experience some slight bleeding at the surgical site. This is normal, but if the bleeding becomes excessive, please contact your dentist immediately. Your teeth may be sensitive to cold and hot temperatures, but that will subside over time. If you notice any swelling or tenderness around the site, apply an icepack. While the open wound is still healing, avoid smoking or the use of any tobacco product, which are sure to slow down the recovery process.
If you have any questions, before, during, or after the procedure, please reach out. This is a common procedure, and if it is right for you, it is recommended.
Related Article: How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?