Are you scared about your crown lengthening procedure being painful? While it’s a necessary procedure to restore a tooth’s structural integrity or improve a smile’s appearance, a little fear is understandable. Let’s discuss how painful a crown lengthening procedure may be.
What Happens in a Crown Lengthening Procedure?
Crown lengthening is done as an outpatient treatment by a periodontist. The longevity of the procedure is determined by the number of teeth requiring the surgery and if both soft tissue and bone need to be removed.
Your periodontist may remove any temporary crowns that are on nearby teeth prior to the operation and replace them afterward.
In addition to receiving a local anesthetic, most patients may also get a sedative. In order to reveal the roots and bone, the periodontist makes incisions in the gums and pulls them back. In certain situations, just the gum tissue needs to be removed. Your surgeon uses salt water to cleanse the operative site before suturing.
How Painful is Crown Lengthening?
Your dentist uses a local anesthetic to make the region surrounding the tooth or teeth undergoing treatment numb. This implies that the actual crown lengthening treatment shouldn’t cause you any pain. There may be some movement or pressure, but it shouldn’t hurt. However, you may feel the following after the procedure:
Soreness and Tenderness: Gums and adjacent tissues may experience soreness and tenderness. The most prevalent feeling may usually be controlled with over-the-counter painkillers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).
Swelling: Some swelling in the face and gums is common in the initial days. Swelling can be lessened by applying cold packs to the outside of your face every 20 minutes.
Sensitivity: Your teeth can be more susceptible to extreme temperatures after the surgery. As the gums recover, this sensation normally goes away. It might be beneficial to use a desensitizing toothpaste.
Bleeding: During the first day or two after the surgery, you may have some minor bleeding or leaking at the surgical site. This can be managed according to your dentist’s post-operative recommendations, which may include using a tea bag or moist gauze to provide light pressure.
What is the Healing Procedure for Crown Lengthening?
If you properly follow your dentist’s recommendations, recovering from crown lengthening is usually simple. The procedure’s scope and any potential consequences may differ depending on the patient. For effective healing, you must:
- Use cold compresses or ice packs to help reduce any pain, swelling, or discomfort after the procedure.
- Take prescription drugs exactly as directed and never take more than the appropriate amount. Whether you require a prescription or over-the-counter medicine, your dentist will provide you with the right recommendations.
- Consume a mild, bland diet as advised by your dentist, and stay away from extremes like spicy or hot meals for the first few days.
The Takeaway
To ensure you don’t experience any pain throughout the crown lengthening process, your dentist will use a local anesthetic during the procedure. However, you may have mild swelling and pain once the anesthetic wears off.
If you require further assistance, consult our experts at Pearl Dentistry Houston Heights. Call us to book your appointment.