To best understand how long crown lengthening takes, it’s helpful to understand what’s involved in the procedure. Considered a minor periodontal surgery, crown lengthening involves removing a portion of the gum tissue to expose a larger area of the tooth structure. Sometimes, the procedure also involves removing or reshaping a small amount of the underlying bone. Crown lengthening procedures may be recommended for the following reasons:
- When there is an insufficient amount of visible tooth present, either due to tooth decay or injury, to support a dental crown
- To improve the appearance of a “gummy smile,” making the teeth appear longer by removing gum tissue
While the crown lengthening surgery itself is relatively brief, the overall procedure takes a few months. To begin, the periodontist will review the patient’s x-rays and perform a thorough examination before scheduling surgery. If it is needed to protect a damaged tooth, the periodontist may place a temporary crown that will be removed when the tooth is prepared, and the permanent crown is ready. On the day of surgery, the patient is first numbed with a local anesthetic. Once the gums and possibly bone have been modified, the surgical site is rinsed with sterile solution before the gums are stitched back into place and covered with a protective surgical dressing. The duration of surgery varies depending on the number of teeth being treated. When a gingivectomy is performed to repair a gummy smile, the procedure may take longer, as the entire gum line is being reshaped, but it is likely that this will be the only procedure needed. When a gingivectomy or flap surgery is performed to prepare a tooth for a crown, the surgical procedure itself may not take as long, but the overall treatment, including placement of the cap, will take at least a few months.
For a few days after crown lengthening surgery, some swelling and pain are normal and can be managed with cold compresses and anti-inflammatory medication. It’s important to keep the surgical site clean and maintain your oral health as you heal, and you can avoid irritating your gums by maintaining a soft, mild diet for the recommended timeframe. Your periodontist will invite you back around a week after surgery to have your stitches removed, and they’ll want to see you for a follow-up visit about a month into your healing timeline to make sure everything is healing properly. It takes a few months for the gums to fully heal, and the tooth can be prepared for a permanent crown once the tissues have completely recovered and stabilized.
Including the initial examination, the crown lengthening process should be expected to take a few months. As you plan your procedure, and certainly as you recover, it’s important to communicate with your dentist as questions arise. Pay close attention to aftercare instructions, and don’t hesitate to contact your periodontist if you notice prolonged pain, swelling, or other issues with healing. It’s especially important to note any signs of infection and to contact a medical professional promptly if you have a fever following your surgery. While it might take longer than you’d prefer to get your smile back on track, maintaining good oral hygiene and following the dentist’s instructions will help expedite your healing and ensure the best results.
Related Article: Crown Lengthening Pain Healing & Risks