How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?
Crown lengthening is a specialized dental procedure that exposes more of a tooth’s surface by reshaping the gum tissue, or perhaps even the underlying bone. Dentists may recommend it for functional reasons, such as creating enough space for a new crown, or for cosmetic purposes, like reducing a “gummy” smile.
One of the first questions potential patients ask about the operation is: How long will it take to lengthen my crowns? The answer depends on what part of the process we’re talking about. The surgery itself is relatively quick, but the full timeline from initial consultation to final results spans weeks or even months.
The Surgical Appointment: Short but Precise
The actual crown lengthening procedure is typically completed in a single visit. For one or two teeth, treatment may take an hour or even less. When several teeth are involved, or when bone needs to be reshaped along with the gums, the appointment may extend longer.
The process begins with a thorough consultation and planning phase. Your dentist will examine the tooth structure, review X-rays, and determine whether bone removal will be required. On the day of the procedure, the area is numbed with local anesthesia. The dentist then carefully removes small amounts of gum tissue and, if needed, trims bone to expose the proper portion of the tooth. Once the new gumline is in place, sutures help secure it as healing begins.
Early Recovery: Days One to Seven
While the surgery itself is short, the first stage of recovery can take some time—and, with it, patience. In the first 24 to 48 hours, it’s normal to experience swelling, minor bleeding, and some soreness. Ice packs (applied intermittently), prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief, and soft foods help make this phase more comfortable.
Most patients can resume normal activities within a day or two, but it’s wise to avoid strenuous exercise and anything that might disrupt the surgical site for the first several days. Sutures are usually removed at a follow-up appointment about one week after the procedure.
Intermediate Healing: Weeks Two to Six
By the second or third week, discomfort is usually minimal and most of the swelling has subsided. The gum tissue begins to stabilize, but it’s still in a delicate state. Brushing and flossing near the site should be done gently and exactly as instructed by your dental provider.
At this stage, the gums may still appear slightly red or uneven as they adjust to their new position. For patients undergoing the procedure in preparation for a crown or other restoration, the dentist will likely wait until the tissue has fully matured before proceeding.
Final Stabilization: Two to Three Months
Healing generally completes within two to three months. In some cases, your dentist may recommend waiting a bit longer before placing a permanent crown, especially if your gum tissue is thin or if bone removal was significant. This waiting period ensures that the gumline won’t continue to recede or shift after the restoration is in place.
Short Procedure, Long Tail
From a scheduling perspective, crown lengthening is a quick outpatient procedure, often done in under an hour. From a healing perspective, the real investment is in the weeks and months that follow, as your body adapts and the gums reach their final, stable form.
If you’re planning crown lengthening, think of it as a short procedure with a long game: the more patient you are during the healing process, the better your final results will be, both for function and for appearance.