If you need dental work but lost crown structure in your teeth, you may undergo a crown lengthening procedure. This process involves removing gum and bone tissue to expose the teeth beneath the gum line, which prevents the crown margin from intruding into the bone and ligaments of the teeth. When getting this procedure, it’s crucial to discuss recovery so that you know what to expect and how to prevent infection.
At Rockland Dental Specialists, we have 24 years of combined experience performing all types of dental procedures, including crown lengthening. Our caring team always puts your health and safety first in our comfortable, relaxing facilities. We also believe communication is essential to a successful recovery, so we answer all your questions about the healing stages of your crown lengthening, so you know what to expect. Our specialists support you before, during, and after your procedure, so you can achieve renewed confidence in your smile with a smooth recovery.
5 Elements of the Crown Lengthening Healing Process
The healing process after crown lengthening takes about two months. However, the first few days of recovery are critical to the procedure’s success. During this time, you can expect to take care of the following:
Pain Management
During the procedure, we use anesthesia to make the process as painless as possible. However, you may feel discomfort during recovery, so our specialists may provide a prescription or over-the-counter recommendations to help manage the pain. We can also help you determine how to time your doses so you don’t feel any unnecessary discomfort.
Diet
After crown lengthening, you should only eat soft, non-spicy, or acidic foods to avoid inflammation, bleeding, and pain. Anything hard, brittle, or with a strong flavor could irritate the site and prevent it from fully healing. Alcohol and smoking can also significantly slow the healing process, so those should also be avoided. We recommend chewing on the side of the mouth opposite the site to further decrease the risk of irritation.
Swelling and Bleeding
In the first day or two of recovery, you may experience bleeding and swollen gums. Applying ice packs and cool washcloths and avoiding hot foods and drinks in the first 24 hours can help with this. Our specialists also recommend not rinsing your mouth too vigorously, as that can cause more swelling and bleeding.
Cleaning
Keeping your teeth, gums, and mouth clean is essential for successful recovery. After every meal, brush your teeth with a soft-bristle brush and avoid the surgical site until we tell you you can start cleaning the area. Using an antiseptic mouthwash and flossing also helps keep the unaffected teeth clean while the crown lengthening area heals.
Sensitivity
The surgical site and surrounding teeth may be sensitive after the procedure. Therefore, it’s best to avoid overly hot and cold foods and beverages for the week of recovery. The sensitivity should decrease as the site heals.
Discuss Your Crown Lengthening Recovery With a Professional at Rockland Dental Specialists in New York
If you need a crown lengthening procedure, you may worry about the recovery process and what to expect. Fortunately, you do not have to go through the healing stages alone. At Rockland Dental Specialists, we guide you through every phase of your treatment, including recovery, to ensure the site heals properly and you can return to work and other activities as soon as possible.
With decades of the collective experience and vast knowledge of the most updated techniques, you can trust us to take the best care of you every step of the way. In our state-of-the-art facilities, we use the latest technologies and create a relaxing environment to make you feel as comfortable as possible. Our compassionate specialists are committed to providing unmatched services that prioritize your unique needs and health. To schedule a complimentary consultation, call (845) 400-9205 or fill out our contact form.
