Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure performed in an outpatient setting. The time the procedure takes varies, depending largely on the number of teeth being treated, though it shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. Because local anesthesia is used, the patient feels no pain; some patients also elect to have a sedative to help them relax. As this anesthesia wears off following the procedure, some pain is normal; in some cases, doctors will recommend over-the-counter medications, while in other cases, prescriptions are provided for pain management. Patients may also receive a prescription mouth rinse to support gingival healing and keep the oral cavity clean. You and your periodontist will review what to expect before, during, and after your crown lengthening. In advance, it can be helpful to know what to expect, especially in terms of pain, healing, and any risks associated with the procedure.
Any surgical procedure comes with risks, and crown lengthening is no different. Risks with these procedures are minimal and can be further minimized by closely adhering to all postoperative care recommendations. Conscientious aftercare seriously reduces the risk of infection and can help support smooth, speedy healing. It’s common to experience some bleeding at the surgical site, and the teeth might seem particularly sensitive to extreme temperatures for a period following the procedure, though this will diminish over time. The teeth will appear longer than you’re used to, and, if bone was removed, your tooth may feel a little loose. Again, this will diminish over time.
While it takes about three months to fully recover from crown lengthening, you should be able to resume normal, day-to-day functions sooner than that. For example, your periodontist will recommend that you avoid strenuous activity, which can interfere with healing and encourage continued bleeding, but you can resume normal activity within a few days as the tissues stabilize. As you heal, over-the-counter or prescription pain medications can help manage discomfort. If you receive a prescription for an antibiotic, make sure to take the entire course of medication, and otherwise follow all dosage recommendations for any medication. An ice pack, applied topically to the outside of the face, can help reduce swelling immediately after surgery, and alternating use of ice and moist heat can help with swelling and discomfort as healing progresses over the next several days.
For the first 24 hours after crown lengthening, avoid consuming any hot foods or drinks, and don’t rinse your mouth; both of these things can exacerbate bleeding and make it last longer. If bleeding does continue, damp gauze or a moist teabag pressed lightly to the area can staunch the blood flow. If your periodontist packs the surgical area with gauze or other dressing, leave this in place for at least a week, if not longer; your periodontist will tell you specifically and may also want to see you to evaluate the surgical site and replace this dressing on occasion within the first two weeks following surgery. Take care to brush only the biting surfaces of the teeth where this surgical dressing is in place, brushing the rest of the teeth carefully and gently, and using recommended or prescribed mouth rinses as directed.
Sticking to a soft, mild diet in the days following surgery will help prevent irritation in the gums and support healing. It’s important to drink plenty of fluids to keep the tissues supple and healthy, but you should avoid drinking alcohol until your periodontist gives you the go-ahead. It’s also imperative that you refrain from smoking for the first week or two of recovery, and that you generally avoid manipulating or playing with your surgical site. Observing these recommendations for aftercare will streamline your healing process and timeline and reduce any risks of infection or other complications, guaranteeing that your crown lengthening is as beneficial and painless as possible.
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