Crown Lengthening Pain, Healing & Risks
A dental crown is a cap which is placed over a natural tooth. They are commonly used to restore damaged teeth or teeth with cosmetic issues. Crowns can be used along with other types of restorations as well. One limitation of a crown is that there must be adequate natural tooth structure present to support the crown.
Fortunately, the crown lengthening procedure can be used when patients lack necessary tooth structure. A periodontist completes the crown lengthening procedure which removes and reshapes excess gum tissue. In some cases, the bone is also modified. The goal is to expose more of the tooth’s surface in order for it to accommodate a crown. This outpatient procedure is relatively common and can typically be completed in less than an hour.
Candidates
Crown lengthening is typically performed for the following reasons:
- The procedure may be required if the patient lacks enough tooth structure needed to secure a crown. This is especially common for teeth which have decay, fractures or are damaged. In some cases, the damage may be below the gum tissue and crown lengthening helps the access and treat the damaged area. The procedure removes extra gum tissue and bone if needed, exposing additional tooth above the gumline. Once healed, the crown can be attached and used to restore the tooth.
- Patients with excess gum tissue may have what is considered a gummy smile. This makes the teeth appear to be smaller and out of proportion. Crown lengthening restores the symmetry of the patient’s smile and makes their teeth properly proportioned with the gums. The procedure also makes it easier for patients to practice good oral hygiene.
Procedure
Crown lengthening is an outpatient surgical procedure completed by a periodontist. Following the procedure, patients are able to go home. The duration of the procedure will vary based on the severity of the issue and number of teeth receiving treatment.
Local anesthesia is used to ensure patients do not experience pain or discomfort during the procedure. The gums are then cut away from the teeth. This exposes the roots and bone which are sometimes also modified. The patient may only require the removal of gum tissue depending on the severity of their issue. The surgical area is then washed with a salt rinse prior to being sutured closed. A bandage may also be placed to protect the area treated.
Pain
As the local anesthesia starts to wear off, it is normal for patients to feel some pain and discomfort. Swelling is also common immediately following crown lengthening. Discomfort can typically be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication and ice pack. In some cases, pain relievers and a specialized mouth rinse may be prescribed to aid in the healing process.
Recovery
It takes about three months for the gums to fully recover. Patients can typically return to work the next day and resume routine activities within a few days to a week. Strenuous activity should be avoided for a few days as it can cause additional bleeding. It is also helpful to consume a diet consisting of soft foods and avoid hot or crunchy things.
Risks
As with most surgical procedures, there is a risk of infection associated with crown lengthening. Patients should be diligent in following aftercare instructions and restrictions to prevent infection and promote healing. If pain or bleeding does not improve after a few days, patients should contact the office as it may indicate infection or another issue.
Contact the office today to schedule an appointment where we can determine if you are a good candidate for crown lengthening. The team can also answer any questions regarding the procedure, pain, healing, and possible risks.