Crown lengthening is an outpatient surgical procedure, performed by a dentist or periodontist, that relies on a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. This means that the patient will feel pressure, aware that there’s something going on in their mouth, but they won’t feel pain. Some patients prefer to add a sedative to their anesthesia options; you can ask your dentist if this is a good option for you, and you should be aware that choosing sedation will mean that you need to secure a ride home from your procedure and shouldn’t plan to do anything for the rest of the day.
The duration of each crown lengthening procedure varies, based on the number of teeth being treated and whether or not the procedure involves bone and gum tissue or just gum tissue, though most crown lengthening procedures take one or two hours from start to finish. After the gums are reshaped, they’re sutured back in place, and the sutures are protected with a bandage or gauze, which helps absorb the blood that’s normal after any surgery. Most patients can resume normal activity shortly after their procedure, save for those who are sedated, though all patients should avoid heavy lifting or exertion for at least 24 hours after crown lengthening surgery to avoid excessive bleeding or disrupting the surgical sites. Of course, it’s always a good idea to avoid biting or chewing anything at all until all local anesthesia has worn off; keep this in mind as you plan your day.
After your procedure, your dentist will recommend that you consume only mild, soft foods for the first few days; this will help your gums heal and will also reduce the risk of irritation or infection in the gums. You might receive a prescription for an antibacterial mouth rinse, which will help keep your oral cavity clean where it’s unsafe to brush, and you should take special care to avoid the sutures and surgical sites while brushing and to avoid rinsing aggressively or spitting forcefully. Make sure to complete all cycles of medication and otherwise use all medications as directed. Carefully following all aftercare instructions will help minimize risks and ensure ready healing.
It usually takes one or two weeks for gum tissue to heal; once your sutures are out and your gums have healed, your teeth might feel a bit sensitive, but this should subside over time. Your dentist will remove your bandages or provide you with instructions on how to do so. While your gums may have healed, the overall recovery timeline for crown lengthening is around three months; this accounts for the healing of any bone involved and includes time for the gums to adjust to their new position. Over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen and acetaminophen, taken at specific intervals, can help with inflammation, as can externally applied ice packs.
Mild bleeding, tenderness, and swelling can be expected immediately following your crown lengthening procedure. If you experience pain or bleeding for more than a few days after crown lengthening, or if you have a fever or notice a foul smell or taste in your mouth, see your dentist right away. While risks of infection are very low, the earlier it’s intercepted, the better. The best approaches to comprehensive, successful healing include cooperating with your dentist’s instructions and seeking input when something doesn’t feel right, playing an active role in your own oral health, and achieving peace of mind.
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