A crown lengthening procedure can be performed for a number of reasons. It is a cosmetic or oral health procedure that involves exposing more of a tooth’s surface.
This article offers a quick guide to preparing for a crown lengthening procedure, including post-surgery tips to help you feel as comfortable as possible afterward.
Crown Lengthening: What Is It?
Crown lengthening is an oral surgery procedure that involves removing extra gum tissue and potentially bone from around the upper teeth to give them a longer appearance. This is a common procedure carried out by dentists and periodontists. Crown lengthening can be used to reshape the gum line for a more symmetrical smile if the gum line is uneven.
Crown lengthening can be done for a variety of dental reasons. Crown lengthening, for example, may be required to support the placement of a crown. A broken or damaged tooth may require a dental crown, often known as a cap. Untreated cavities often grow too large to be repaired with a filling, necessitating the placement of a dental crown. Crowns can also be used to conceal crooked or stained teeth.
The benefits of crown lengthening
Crown lengthening, unlike many other cosmetic dentistry procedures, only needs to be done once. Crown lengthening can provide additional dental benefits in addition to providing a broader, more symmetrical smile. Crown lengthening treatments can also help to prevent tooth decay by exposing more of the tooth to brushing and flossing.
Treatment Preparation
In most cases, this outpatient surgery takes around an hour to complete. X-rays will be taken before your procedure. Your medical history will also be discussed with your dentist or surgeon, including any current drugs you’re taking and any other health issues that could affect the surgery’s outcome. Before beginning treatment, we will do a complete examination of your teeth, gums, and bone structure.
To assist you decide if crown lengthening surgery is correct for you, your dentist will estimate how much gum tissue will need to be removed or reshaped to reach the results you want.
Expectations During Surgery
The gum tissue can be sculpted with a laser in rare cases. Others may require the removal of some bone to get the desired result. Crown lengthening is a common dental operation, but there are some dangers to consider, as with any oral surgery. Following any crown lengthening procedure, infection is likely to be the greatest risk. Following your operation, your dentist may prescribe an antibiotic to prevent or cure infection.
Another issue that must be properly checked and handled is bleeding. Your post-operative care instructions are critical in lowering your risk of problems and speeding up the healing process. If you have any concerns about the state of your teeth or gums after your crown lengthening operation, you should contact your dentist.
Post-operative Care and Recover
Following your crown lengthening operation, your gums will likely take many months to fully heal. Most of your normal daily activities can resume immediately after surgery; however, for optimal healing, you should always follow your provider’s aftercare guidelines and instructions.
After surgery:
- If your surgery results in swelling, apply an ice pack for about 20 minutes on and off the day of your surgery.
- Keep hot foods and beverages away from your body to prevent bleeding.
- For 48 to 72 hours after your surgery, avoid strenuous activities.
- Pain management may be achieved with the help of prescription or over-the-counter medications.
Recovering Tips:
- Hot and cold temperatures may cause your gums to become sensitive for quite a while.
- When you are recovering from an illness, you should avoid hard, spicy, or sticky foods.
- It will help the gums heal faster if you eat soft foods and drink a lot of water.
- For seven to ten days, do not consume alcohol or smoke.
- Don’t touch the treated gums with your tongue.
- Checking your surgical site shouldn’t involve pulling your lip outward.
- Your dentist should perform a follow-up appointment to ensure that the healing process is proceeding smoothly.
