Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgery that is sometimes necessary to reduce an excessively high gum line, to make oral hygiene easier, reduce the risks of gum disease, or to enable the performance of another dental operation like a tooth extraction or the installation of a dental crown.
But what about after crown lengthening? What should patients expect as to the healing process and as to post-surgical care?
Is There Any Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding?
A local anesthetic and/or dental sedation will make the crown lengthening process itself seem painless or nearly so. (And you’ll need someone to drive you home after the operation due to the effects of the anesthesia.)
But after a few hours, when the anesthetic’s effects have ceased, there may be some mild pain or discomfort. That is normal. It shouldn’t last long or be very intense, and your periodontist will instruct you on which types of pain relievers to use, in what doses, and at what intervals. Typically, an aspirin free pain reliever is best.
In the first couple days after crown lengthening, it’s possible you might experience minor to moderate swelling or bleeding in the area of your gums that was treated. An ice pack applied with steady but gentle pressure will help alleviate this situation. Minor swelling/bleeding could occur occasionally even after 2 days, but it should diminish with time.
In some cases, your periodontist may have applied a surgical dressing to cover the treated gum tissue for 1 to 2 weeks. He would then change this or dispense with it during a follow-up visit.
Also expect some level of tooth sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures; but that too will decrease as the healing process continues.
At Home Self-care Following Crown Lengthening
Besides following any instructions on taking pain relief medications, dealing with surgical dressings, or using an ice pack or moist heat to combat inflammation, there are other home care practices you need to follow to promote a speedy, full recovery.
Avoid eating spicy foods or extremely hot or cold foods/drinks. Stick with softer, blander foods at first. And try to chew on the side of your mouth not affected by the crown lengthening procedure as much as possible.
Also avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Smoking and drinking can cause gum bleed and will slow down the healing process.
Be keen to keep up good oral hygiene following the surgery. But you don’t want to floss or brush hard on still-sensitive periodontal tissue or teeth. So brush/floss as best you can and gradually get back to your normal regimen. And use a good antiseptic mouth rinse to kill off mouth bacteria.
To learn more about crown lengthening: why it’s done, when it is needed, the step by step process, and proper after care, do not hesitate to contact periodontist Dr. Raymond A. Kenzik today in Ormond Beach, FL, or anywhere in Volusia or Flagler County!
Is There Any Pain, Swelling, or Bleeding?
A local anesthetic and/or dental sedation will make the crown lengthening process itself seem painless or nearly so. (And you’ll need someone to drive you home after the operation due to the effects of the anesthesia.)
But after a few hours, when the anesthetic’s effects have ceased, there may be some mild pain or discomfort. That is normal. It shouldn’t last long or be very intense, and your periodontist will instruct you on which types of pain relievers to use, in what doses, and at what intervals. Typically, an aspirin free pain reliever is best.
In the first couple days after crown lengthening, it’s possible you might experience minor to moderate swelling or bleeding in the area of your gums that was treated. An ice pack applied with steady but gentle pressure will help alleviate this situation. Minor swelling/bleeding could occur occasionally even after 2 days, but it should diminish with time.
In some cases, your periodontist may have applied a surgical dressing to cover the treated gum tissue for 1 to 2 weeks. He would then change this or dispense with it during a follow-up visit.
Also expect some level of tooth sensitivity to hot/cold temperatures; but that too will decrease as the healing process continues.
At Home Self-care Following Crown Lengthening
Besides following any instructions on taking pain relief medications, dealing with surgical dressings, or using an ice pack or moist heat to combat inflammation, there are other home care practices you need to follow to promote a speedy, full recovery.
Avoid eating spicy foods or extremely hot or cold foods/drinks. Stick with softer, blander foods at first. And try to chew on the side of your mouth not affected by the crown lengthening procedure as much as possible.
Also avoid alcoholic beverages and tobacco products. Smoking and drinking can cause gum bleed and will slow down the healing process.
Be keen to keep up good oral hygiene following the surgery. But you don’t want to floss or brush hard on still-sensitive periodontal tissue or teeth. So brush/floss as best you can and gradually get back to your normal regimen. And use a good antiseptic mouth rinse to kill off mouth bacteria.
To learn more about crown lengthening: why it’s done, when it is needed, the step by step process, and proper after care, do not hesitate to contact periodontist Dr. Raymond A. Kenzik today in Ormond Beach, FL, or anywhere in Volusia or Flagler County!