Crown Lengthening Pain, Healing & Risks
Crown lengthening is a common surgical procedure that is performed by a periodontist to contour gum tissue and bone structure with the goal of revealing more tooth surface.
Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is an outpatient procedure performed using a local anesthetic, some patients may receive a mild sedative as well. Treatment can typically be completed within an hour, depending on the number of teeth that need to be treated and the amount of bone and gum tissue being removed.
Your dentist may have placed a temporary crown which your periodontist will remove before the procedure and replace afterward. After administering the anesthetic, your doctor will cut the gum tissue in order to access the underlying bone and remove what is necessary. In some cases, only the tissue needs to be contoured.
As your anesthesia begins to wear off, you will likely feel some degree of pain but your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help you manage your discomfort while you heal.
Risks with Crown Lengthening
As with any surgery, crown lengthening does, with a risk of infection. Your doctor will provide pain medications and antibiotics as well as postoperative care instructions to help you heal properly and prevent infection.
It is completely normal to experience a minor amount of bleeding at the surgical site as well as sensitivity to temperatures, all of which will subside within a couple of days.
Healing After Crown Lengthening
Some of the postoperative instructions that your periodontist will provide for you may include:
- Stick to a diet of soft foods for a couple of days, especially avoiding foods that are crunchy or spicy or have small seeds that can become lodged in your surgery site. You will also need to avoid alcohol until your post operative follow up appointment.
- Avoid strenuous activities that could promote bleeding for at least three days.
- Use your pain medication as directed and only when necessary. Over the counter pain medications may be enough to manage your pain. An ice pack can be used to ease swelling.
- Use extreme care when brushing and flossing. Do not brush or floss the area directly but do so with the rest of your mouth as normal. Be sure to avoid prodding the area with your toothbrush or floss and do not use drinking straws.
- Your doctor will place a medicated dressing over the area which should be left for 1 to 2 weeks. Allow your doctor to change the dressing as needed, do not do it yourself.
- If you experience leading, apply gentle pressure to the area with a moistened gauze or tea bag for 20 to 30 minutes.
- Avoid smoking or using smokeless tobacco products.
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.