How Long After Crown Lengthening Can I Get a Crown | Expert’s Take  

A confident smile can be achieved by knowing how dental procedures like crown lengthening and subsequent crown placement work. Everyone’s situation is unique, and the timing of crown placement varies accordingly. Factors such as the extent of crown lengthening the location of the tooth in the mouth, and your overall oral health play significant roles in determining the optimal timing for crown placement.

Here you will get to know about the timeline for crown placement after crown lengthening, the aftercare steps for optimal healing, and its procedure. Let’s start by discussing what crown lengthening is.

What is Crown Lengthening

Crown lengthening is a dental procedure involved in reshaping the gum tissue or removing bone around the teeth from the tooth’s surface. It’s mostly done to address issues like an awful smile or when there’s insufficient tooth structure for a dental restoration.

It improves the aesthetics of the smile and provides a stable foundation for restorative treatments like crowns or veneers, by adjusting the gum line. it also plays a vital role in the restoration of teeth affected by periodontal disease. Crown lengthening provides a supportive environment for the placement of periodontal crowns and promotes optimal oral health.

How Long After Crown Lengthening Can I Get a Crown

The time for getting a crown after crown lengthening usually takes 4 to 12 weeks. This duration allows for adequate healing of the gums and fundamental bone which ensures a stable foundation for the crown.  The exact time varies which depends on individual factors such as the extent of the crown lengthening procedure and the patient’s oral health.

Reasons to Delay for Crown After Periodontal Crown Lengthening   

There are several reasons for delays in placing a crown after periodontal crown lengthening:

• One of the primary reasons for delaying crown placement is the sufficient time required for proper healing. 
• It may result in temporary gum recession as the tissues adjust to the new gum line. Delaying the crown allows time for any recession to stabilize or improve. It also ensures optimal tissue health and appearance before placing the restoration.
• The bone around your tooth may require time to remodel and adapt to the new position of the gum line to follow crown lengthening. The time delay may require adequate bone healing and remodeling to provide a stable foundation for the crown.
• Soft tissues include the gums and surrounding tissues. They need time to regrow their normal appearance and function after crown lengthening. Delaying crown placement requires optimal soft tissue maturation.

 

Crown Lengthening | Step-by-Step Procedure

Treatment Plan: 

Based on the examination findings, the dentist will develop a treatment plan for you. This plan will outline the extent of crown lengthening required and any additional procedures that may be necessary.

Preparation: 

Before the crown lengthening procedure, you will receive local anesthesia to numb the area and ensure comfort during the treatment. In some cases, sedation options will also be available for anxious patients.

Incision and Flap Elevation: 

After numbing the area, your dentist will make small cuts in the gum tissue around your tooth which requires crown lengthening. These cuts allow the dentist to gently lift the gum tissue away from the tooth and basic bone.

Reshaping of Bone and Gum Tissue: 

With the help of specialized instruments, the dentist will carefully remove excess gum tissue and bone from around the tooth to expose more of the tooth’s surface. This reshaping allows for the proper placement of a dental crown.

In cases where there isn’t enough visible tooth structure to support a dental crown, crown extensions involve reshaping the gum and bone tissue to expose more of the tooth’s surface.

Placement of Crown Lengthening Stitches:

Lastly, the crown lengthening stitches are carefully placed to ensure proper alignment and closure of the incisions. This will help to minimize bleeding, promote healing, and reduce the risk of infection.  

Post-Operation Care for Crown Extension Process 

Following is the proper post-operative care for crown lengthening procedure:

Morning Routine:

•  In the morning, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water for one minute.
•  Take any prescribed pain medication as directed by your dentist or oral surgeon.
• Apply ice packs to the outside of your face near the treated area for 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling.
• Take something soft in breakfast which is easy-to-chew food and avoid putting pressure on the procedure site.

Throughout the Day:

• After the crown extension process, one must maintain good oral hygiene. Gently brush your teeth twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
• Use a prescribed antimicrobial mouthwash for rinsing to keep the mouth clean.
• Don’t use tobacco products in your daily routine for some days.
• Avoid consuming hot, spicy, or acidic foods and beverages that can irritate the surgical area.
• Be careful during speaking or yawning to minimize stress on the crown extension procedure site.

Evening Routine:

• Again. apply ice packs to the outside of your face near the treated area in the evening for another 15-20 minutes to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
• Before going to bed, gently rinse your mouth with warm salt water again for 30 seconds to one minute. 
• Sleep with your head elevated on pillows to further reduce swelling and promote better circulation to the treated site.  

 

FAQs

 

Will gums grow back after crown lengthening?

Gums do not grow back after crown lengthening surgery. However, the procedure aims to uncover more of the tooth’s surface by reshaping the gums and hidden bones.

When is crown lengthening not possible?        

Crown lengthening is not possible if there is periodontal disease like underlying gum or bone disease. When there is insufficient tooth structure to support the crown lengthening procedure in such cases it is not possible.

Can I get a crown without crown lengthening?

Yes, you can get a dental crown without the crown lengthening. Most of the time crown lengthening is performed when there is insufficient tooth structure exposed above the gum line to support a crown. 

What is the success rate of crown lengthening?  

The success rate of crown lengthening is high. The reported success rate is  97.8%.