Crown Lengthening Surgery
Crown Lengthening Surgery
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening surgery is typically performed after a tooth has been damaged (either by injury/accident or tooth decay). The crown lengthening procedure is necessary when the damage extends lower than the gumline. When tooth damage lies below the gumline, it is not possible for your general dentist to fix it. That’s where we come in.
Crown lengthening surgery
As periodontists, we are gum specialists. We can reposition the gumline lower, below the tooth damage, so that your general dentist can restore the tooth. Once the tooth is repaired, we can also bring the gumline back to its original location or even contour the gumline to make it even more aesthetically pleasing.
The crown lengthening procedure is also employed in other scenarios where the existing tooth is too small (short) for the general dentist to place a crown. By moving the gumline lower, we can expose more of the tooth surface, which provides a stronger base for the placement of the new dental crown.
Crown lengthening recovery
The crown lengthening recovery process is unique to each individual and the nature of the surgery. Some crown lengthening surgeries are much more straightforward than others, which can affect the recovery.
As a general rule, you should fully understand the procedure and the expectations for your recovery. At Sacramento Periodontics, we believe in providing as much information as possible and will ensure you know what to expect following your crown lengthening procedure.
That being said, there are some general recovery guidelines that most crown lengthening patients should follow:
• Avoid strenuous activity: Avoid physical activity for at least 2-3 days following your procedure.
• Take prescribed medications: Follow the medication guidelines in your after-surgery instructions.
• Avoid hot foods: Hot foods can cause pain and increase inflammation following crown lengthening surgery. Avoiding them for at least 24 hours following your procedure is best.
• Apply ice packs: Limiting inflammation and swelling is one of the most important goals of the recovery process. By applying ice packs on your face regularly, you can keep post-surgery swelling to a minimum.
• Eat soft foods: After most dental surgeries, it is a good practice to avoid eating hard, sticky, or acidic foods. These foods place undue stress on the affected area and can potentially set your recovery back indefinitely.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking: It is best to avoid drinking or smoking for at least 7-10 days following surgery. These activities can slow the recovery process and limit the potential success of the surgery in general.
• Be gentle with your mouth: Brushing your teeth too hard and prodding the affected area of your mouth can hamper the recovery process. Be gentle and allow your mouth to heal.
Crown lengthening cost
As mentioned previously, every crown lengthening surgery is unique - costs will vary based on your unique situation. However, as a general rule, crown lengthening surgeries range in price from $500 to $3,500. If you have crown lengthening on just one tooth, your costs will likely fall somewhere in the lower part of that range. Whereas, if you need a more extensive procedure, your costs will likely fall somewhere in the upper part of that range.
Regardless of the initial estimate, your dental insurance will probably cover at least a portion of the crown lengthening surgery costs. Our staff can help you figure out the total out-of-pocket cost to you and ensure you are comfortable with the amount before proceeding with the surgery.
Contact us to get started
Our periodontists have performed hundreds of successful crown lengthening surgeries. We are gum specialists and can offer you the best care available. Please contact us today. Our staff would be happy to answer any questions you may have about the surgery, recovery, and costs. We look forward to meeting you and helping you achieve your healthiest smile ever.