Crown lengthening is a common minor oral surgical procedure that is performed to save a tooth. You may be wondering if it will hurt during or after the procedure, how long it will take, and what sort of recovery period you can expect. Learn the answers to these and other questions about crown lengthening.
What is Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is the process of removing some of the gum tissue and usually some of the underlying support from one or more teeth. The purpose of the procedure is to expose more tooth structure to allow a tooth to be effectively restored. It may be done for a variety of reasons:
Reasons For Crown Lengthening
You may need crown lengthening for any of the following reasons:
- Cosmetic. If you have excess gum tissue over your teeth it can make them appear small and your gum tissue overly prominent. Crown lengthening can remove the excess tissue for a more natural looking smile. It can also be done to resolve an unesthetic asymmetrical gum line giving the appearance of different size teeth.
- Prepare for a crown. For a crown to be placed over a tooth there needs to be a sufficient amount of tooth structure available. Crown lengthening can expose more of the tooth so that a crown can be placed.
- Treatment for gum disease. Excess gum tissue over the teeth can increase your risk of gum disease. Crown lengthening reduces this risk, making it easier to keep the teeth clean and prevent plaque from forming at or below the gum line.
Anesthesia For Crown Lengthening
Most crown lengthening procedures can be performed with local anesthesia, which numbs the nerves in the area of the mouth that is being treated so that you don’t feel any pain. If you are nervous or anxious about the procedure, sedation is available to help you relax.
Recovery After Crown Lengthening
Crown lengthening sometimes requires sutures to stabilize the gum tissue. A putty bandage may be placed over them for protection while you heal. You may experience some tenderness for 24-48 hours after the procedure. Over the counter anti-inflammatory pain medication such as ibuprofen is typically sufficient to manage any discomfort. You will need to avoid eating in the area and may need to be on a soft diet for the first few days or up to a week until your gum tissue has had time to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crown Lengthening
How long does crown lengthening take?
A crown lengthening procedure can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour or more. Treatment for a single tooth can take 20-30 minutes, whereas treatment for multiple teeth can take longer.
Is crown lengthening covered by insurance?
Dental insurance may cover crown lengthening if it is being done for an oral health reason, such as treatment for gum disease or to make room for a crown. If crown lengthening is being done for cosmetic reasons, it typically not be covered.
Who Provides Crown Lengthening?
Crown lengthening is most commonly provided by a periodontist. A periodontist specializes in treatments and procedures for the teeth’s support structures, including the gums. Progressive Periodontics & Implant Dentistry provides crown lengthening procedures to improve your smile and oral health.
To learn more, contact us and schedule an appointment at one of our two convenient locations.