How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?
Every year, millions of people need dental crowns to repair, strengthen, or improve their teeth. Crowns are protective caps that dentists place over damaged teeth, and they can address various issues such as cracked, broken, or severely worn teeth. Sometimes, to securely place a crown, dentists must first perform a procedure known as crown lengthening. If your dentist mentioned you might need this, you’re probably wondering how long the procedure will take. Understanding the timeline involved can help you feel more prepared and comfortable as you move forward with your treatment. Read on to learn more.
Why does someone need crown lengthening?
Before knowing exactly how long crown lengthening takes, it's helpful to understand why you might need it in the first place. For a dental crown to fit securely and effectively, enough of the tooth must be visible above the gumline. Teeth that have broken off near the gums or have too much gum tissue covering them may not provide adequate surface area for crown placement. In these cases, crown lengthening is required.
Crown lengthening involves reshaping or removing gum tissue around the tooth to expose more of its surface. Occasionally, some reshaping or removal of bone around the tooth might be necessary as well. This procedure ensures the crown has a stable foundation. Sometimes, crown lengthening is also done for cosmetic reasons, especially for patients who feel their gums cover too much of their teeth when they smile.
How long does the procedure take?
The actual crown lengthening procedure doesn't typically take a lot of time. It’s a straightforward outpatient surgery, usually performed in about 30 to 45 minutes per tooth. The duration largely depends on whether one or multiple teeth are involved, and if bone reshaping is needed in addition to gum tissue removal. Procedures involving multiple teeth require more time. It's essential to recognize that the procedure itself is just one part of a longer process, however. The entire timeline from initial consultation to complete healing takes significantly longer.
What factors affect the overall timeline?
Several factors influence the total time needed for crown lengthening:
- Planning and Initial Consultation: Before your dentist can perform the surgery, careful planning is required. This typically includes X-rays and a detailed examination of your mouth. In certain cases, a temporary crown might be placed while preparations are made.
- Number of Teeth Treated: Crown lengthening on just a single tooth generally takes less time than when multiple teeth require the procedure. The complexity and duration increase as the number of teeth involved goes up.
- Recovery and Healing Time: Recovery after crown lengthening varies. Initial healing typically takes between one and two weeks, with the most noticeable discomfort occurring in the first few days after surgery. Full healing of gums, especially if bone reshaping was involved, may take up to three months.
- Follow-Up Appointments: Your dentist will usually schedule a follow-up visit about one month after the procedure. This allows them to check the healing progress and determine when it's safe to place your permanent crown.
What are my next steps?
If your dentist has recommended crown lengthening, discuss your situation with them to get a clearer idea of the timeframe involved. Understanding these factors can help you anticipate what to expect and prepare effectively, reducing anxiety and making your treatment process smoother.
