How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take
Thanks to advancements in modern dentistry, periodontists and dentists are able to successfully treat a variety of dental issues. Should their dentist recommend a newark ohio crown lengthening procedure, patients likely have questions about the procedure and how long it takes.
What is Crown Lengthening?
A relatively minor periodontal surgery, crown lengthening involves surgically removing portions of gum tissue in order to expose more of a tooth’s structure. In certain cases, bone may need to be removed as well.
The procedure begins with the patient receiving a local anesthetic to numb the surgical site. The dentist or periodontist then removes gum tissue and bone (if necessary), rinses the area with a sterile salt water solution, stitches the area closed, and covers the affected area with a dressing. This helps the gums keep their new shape and protect the area.
Why is Crown Lengthening Done?
The following circumstances may require a crown lengthening procedure:
- For patients that need a crown but do not have enough tooth to hold onto it, crown lengthening can create more tooth surface area to firmly hold onto the crown. This is commonly used when injury or decay has affected the tooth and if not performed, the tooth risks fracture and other future problems.
- Patients that have “gummy” smiles or whose teeth appear shorter than normal, may find cosmetic or aesthetic benefit form a crown lengthening procedure. By simply removing portions of gum tissue, the appearance of the patient’s teeth can be dramatically improved.
How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?
Unlike some other dental procedures, crown lengthening is not a quick process. To understand the timeline of the process, use the following:
- The process begins with a consultation and evaluation by the dentist or periodontist. The doctor first examines the patient, takes X-rays of the area, installs a temporary crown (if needed), and schedules the surgery to be performed by a periodontist.
- Duration of the actual surgery will vary based on how many teeth are involved but generally can be completed in 30 to 60 minutes. For example, performing crown lengthening on all of the patient’s front teeth to combat a gummy smile will take far longer than lengthening a single tooth’s crown.
- In the first few days following surgery, swelling and some discomfort are expected. Using ice packs and pain relievers can offer relief. Patients should stick to eating softer foods and avoid brushing the gumline. Keeping the area clean from food particles helps aid recovery time. Using a water flosser, rather than traditional dental floss, may also be recommended.
- In 7-10 days post-surgery, the periodontist will remove the sutures.
- After about a month, a follow-up visit will be needed with the dentist to ensure the patient is properly healing.
- Full gum healing generally takes about three months. Once the gums are fully healed, the tooth can be prepared for a permanent crown
From start to finish, the process takes a few months to complete. If the patient has questions or experiences complications, they are advised to consult their dentist right away.