Caring For Your Crown Lengthening
Today we performed crown lengthening, reshaping the gum and sometimes a little bone to expose more of the tooth. This makes room for a strong, well-fitting restoration or improves the look of your smile. The area needs gentle care while it heals. Here is how.
The First Few Days
- Soreness, tenderness, and mild swelling are normal as it heals.
- Rest and ice the cheek 20 on, 20 off the first 24 hours.
- Some oozing the first day is normal. Gentle gauze pressure helps.
Protect The Area
- You may have stitches or a dressing. Leave them alone, they often loosen on their own.
- Do not brush the treated area until we clear you. Brush your other teeth normally.
- No smoking, which slows healing.
Eating & Comfort
- Stay ahead of soreness with pain relief on schedule.
- Soft, cool foods the first few days, chewing on the other side.
- Warm salt water rinses starting the day after, gently.
- Avoid hot, spicy, and crunchy foods that irritate the area.
Call Us If
- Bleeding that is heavy or will not slow with gentle pressure.
- Pain or swelling that worsens after day 3, or a fever.
- The dressing or stitches come off early.
- A bad taste or odor, or anything that concerns you.
Healing Toward Your Final Result
Crown lengthening sets the stage for your final crown, filling, or improved smile line. Letting it heal well now is what makes the final result fit and look its best.
- Be gentle with the area until we clear you, and keep it clean with salt water rinses.
- Keep your follow-up visit so we can check healing and remove any stitches or dressing.
- Allow healing time before the final restoration. The gums need to settle into their new position so your crown or filling fits perfectly.
Give it time to heal and your final result will fit beautifully and last!
Questions about your procedure or your recovery? Call the office anytime. We are here for you!
