How long does crown lengthening take?

Crown lengthening is a periodontal procedure which involves minor surgery to remove a portion of gum tissue, resulting in a greater amount of visible tooth surface. In some cases, the bone beneath the gums may also need to be removed or reshaped. First, the surgical site is numbed with a local anesthetic. Then, the gum tissue, and possibly some bone, are cut away and removed. The area is then rinsed with a saline solution before the gums are stitched back down into their new shape or alignment. Crown lengthening is a minor, effective treatment that dentists and periodontists perform for a variety of reasons. In some cases, the gum must be removed to expose a greater area of the tooth surface so that a repair or restoration can take place. Sometimes, dentists need to expose more tooth surface so they can adequately and securely place a crown. Sometimes, crown lengthening procedures are strictly cosmetic, helping people with gummy smiles improve the appearance of their smile.

While the actual surgery doesn’t take very long, the overall process involves multiple steps. First, your periodontist will review your dental x-rays to determine the best course of treatment. If it is needed to protect an affected tooth, your periodontist or dentist may also install a temporary crown before scheduling surgery. The duration of the surgery itself depends on how many teeth are being treated. If you are undergoing a crown lengthening procedure on a whole row of teeth, for example, perhaps to improve a gummy smile, this will take considerably longer than simply treating one tooth.

For the first few days following a crown lengthening procedure, you can expect some swelling and discomfort or pain. You may want to use an ice pack on the affected area of the face, and over-the-counter pain relievers can treat any soreness. Dentists recommend limiting the diet to soft foods and direct patients to not brush the gums during routine brushing. It is important to keep the area clean and free from food particles, however, and a water pick or similar water flosser can be helpful in this regard. About a week to 10 days following the surgical procedures, your periodontist will remove your stitches. Plan to visit your dental health professional again about a month after your crown lengthening procedure, to make sure you’re healing properly. The gums themselves will take about three months to heal. Once the gum tissue is fully healed, the tooth can then be prepared for the placement of your crown, if that is the reason you have had the procedure. Otherwise, after a few short months, your new smile is ready to go.

The crown lengthening procedure is usually straightforward and uncomplicated, but be sure to talk to your periodontist or dentist if you are curious about the process and how it may benefit you. If you have undergone a crown lengthening procedure and are having any issues with your recovery, be sure to communicate with your dentist or periodontist, and be sure to schedule an appointment if there are any complications, such as a fever or excessive pain or swelling for a prolonged period.