If you have a gummy smile and want to enhance its appearance, you may opt for a crown lengthening procedure. This minimally invasive treatment reshapes the gum line to reduce the gummy smile appearance or enable the placement of dental crowns. However, many patients wonder whether crown lengthening is painful and how long the pain lasts afterward. Let’s explore these answers below.
Is Crown Lengthening Painful?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure done to create a more even gum line and reduce the appearance of a gummy smile. This procedure is also done to remove excessive gum tissue around a tooth to facilitate crown placement or other dental treatments.
Before starting the procedure, your dentist or periodontist will numb your gums using local anesthesia. It minimizes pain and discomfort during the procedure. Once the anesthetic takes effect, the excessive part of your gums will be removed.
Your dentist may also trim the underlying bone if necessary to create an even gum-to-tooth ratio. During treatment, you will likely not feel pain but may experience a slight tingling sensation that disappears soon.
How Long Does Recovery Take After Crown Lengthening?
Soon after the procedure, you may experience some discomfort once the effect of anesthesia starts to wear off. Your dentist will place a medicated gauze at the site to prevent bleeding and infection.
It is normal to notice gum swelling and redness after treatment. There may also be occasional gum bleeding. These symptoms are normal and generally resolve within a few days with proper care.
Your dentist will provide complete guidelines to help you achieve a proper recovery. You will have to rest for the first few days to allow the surgical site to heal. After the initial period, you can return to your normal routine. Complete recovery may take 2 to 3 months.
Tips For Painless Recovery
Your gums need care and rest to heal after the procedure. Here are some helpful tips to minimize pain and discomfort after crown lengthening surgery:
- Avoid hot, spicy, and hard foods for a few days after the procedure. They can irritate the gum tissues.
- Place an ice pack near the surgical site for 10 to 15 minutes to reduce swelling.
- Take your pain medications as prescribed by your dentist.
- Avoid brushing or flossing your teeth near the surgical area for the first 24 hours.
- After the initial period, you can brush your teeth using a soft toothbrush.
- Refrain from smoking, using tobacco products, and drinking alcohol during the recovery period.
Following these guidelines can promote faster healing after the procedure, allowing you to resume your normal diet. If you experience persistent pain, swelling, or bleeding, visit your dentist right away.
Takeaway
The crown lengthening procedure itself is not painful as it is done under anesthesia. However, you may experience some pain and discomfort afterward, which may last 5 to 7 days. If you have any more questions, visit our certified periodontist, Dr. Bader Abdeen, at Cypress Periodontics and Dental Implants. Dial (281) 677-0222 to book an appointment.