A dental crown is a protective, tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a natural tooth for aesthetic or structural reasons. A crown may often be recommended if a tooth is broken, cracked, or misshapen. A crown can also be used for a restorative bridge, root canal, or dental implant. The crown must be able to firmly adhere to the natural tooth.
Your dentist performs crown lengthening by recontouring your gum tissue, and sometimes also bone, to expose more of the natural tooth for a crown. It is a common procedure and most often takes less than an hour.
The Purpose of a Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening might be necessary if there is not enough of the natural tooth visible to support the crown. A tooth that is affected by tooth decay or broken could prohibit a crown from attaching. A properly fitted crown will allow for improved comfort and better oral hygiene.
You may also consider a crown lengthening to correct a gummy smile, which is simply when your gums are out of proportion to your teeth when smiling.
The Recovery Process
The recovery time is always about three months. You can resume normal activities as your gums heal. You will need to avoid any strenuous activity for the first few days. Heavy lifting, a physically demanding job, and heavy exertion could inhibit your healing, resulting in more bleeding. Follow these simple guidelines:
- Take OTC or prescription medication- In your recovery instructions, you will be told to take ibuprofen or Tylenol.
- Use an ice pack- Using an ice pack on your face for the first few hours after your procedure will reduce swelling.
- Avoid hot foods for the first 24 hours- Stay away from hot foods and do not rinse your mouth.
- Leave the dressing on for 7 to 14 days- Your dentist might replace the dressing once or twice.
- Brush carefully- Gently brush just the biting surfaces near where the dressing has been applied. Brush and floss normally in other areas. Chew food on the opposite side of your mouth.
- Wear your stent or denture- If wearing your clear stent or upper denture was part of your instructions, do not remove it for 24 hours.
- Eat a soft food diet- Completely avoid the surgical area while eating. Do not eat anything hard, acidic, spicy, sticky, or highly seasoned. Also, drink plenty of fluids.
- Avoid smoking- Refrain from smoking for the first 10 days or longer.
- Avoid alcohol- Refrain from drinking until after your post-op appointment.
- Avoid prodding the area- Avoid using straws or prodding the site with your tongue or finger.
Possible Risks
There is some prospect of infection with crown lengthening, but nothing more than with other minor surgeries. Follow all recovery care instructions to prevent infection.
You could experience bleeding at the surgical site after your procedure, and your teeth may be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. The sensitivity will decrease with time. Your tooth might look longer than your neighboring teeth, and if any bone were removed, the tooth could feel loose. If you lose a tooth in the future, the crown lengthening might make it difficult to place a dental implant.
Outlook After Your Procedure
Oral surgeries simply continue to advance in becoming more efficient and effective. Crown lengthening is a frequent dental treatment performed for both functional and aesthetic purposes. You should expect your procedure to go smoothly, which will increase the health and longevity of your teeth.
Related Article: How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?