A dental crown is a custom-fabricated protective cap fitting over a natural tooth for either aesthetic or functional reasons. A crown could be recommended if a tooth is misshapen, cracked, or broken. A crown is also used for dental restoration procedures, like a traditional bridge, root canal, or dental implant. The crown needs to be firmly adhered to the natural tooth.
Crown lengthening will help a natural tooth. Your dentist could perform crown lengthening by recontouring gum tissue, and sometimes bone, to expose more of the tooth for the crown. It is common and usually takes no more than an hour.
The Purpose of a Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening could be needed if there is not enough of the tooth available to properly secure the crown on its own. A tooth that is broken or decayed can prohibit the crown from attaching properly.
A crown lengthening procedure simply reduces gum tissue and might shave down bone if necessary, exposing more tooth. A correctly fitted crown allows better oral hygiene and comfort.
Crown lengthening will improve a natural gummy smile, which is when more gum is visible than teeth, so they are visually out of balance when smiling.
What Happens During a Crown Lengthening Procedure
Your dentist performs crown lengthening as an outpatient procedure. This means you return home afterward. The time the procedure takes varies based on the number of teeth needing the procedure and if both soft tissue and bone are removed. If there is a temporary crown on a neighboring tooth, your dentist might remove it before the procedure and replace it afterward.
You will receive local anesthesia and could even receive a sedative as well. The dentist then slits the gums to pull away from the tooth, exposing more of the tooth. In most cases, only gum tissue needs to be removed. The dentist then washes the surgical area with a saltwater solution before suturing. They suture the gums together, possibly adding a bandage for additional protection.
You could feel some discomfort after the anesthesia wears off, so your dentist could prescribe pain relievers and a specific mouth rinse to help your gums heal.
Possible Risks with a Crown Lengthening Procedure
There is a minor risk of infection with a crown lengthening procedure, but nothing more than with other minor surgical procedures. You need to follow the postoperative care instructions to prevent any infection. Contact your dental office with any questions throughout your recovery.
You might also experience some bleeding at the surgical site after the procedure, and your teeth could also be sensitive to hot or cold temperatures. The sensitivity will decrease with time. Your tooth may seem longer than your neighboring teeth, and if bone was removed, the tooth might feel loose. If you lose a tooth, the crown lengthening might make it difficult for your dentist to successfully place a dental implant.
The Recovery Process
The recovery time for crown lengthening is usually about three months. You will resume your normal activities as your gums heal. You must avoid strenuous activity for the first two or three days. A physically demanding job, heavy exertion, or any heavy lifting, may very well inhibit your healing and result in more bleeding
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