Crown lengthening is a procedure done to ensure that dental surgeons have a larger tooth surface they can work with. A more exposed and healthier tooth surface makes it possible to fix dental appliances such as crowns quickly and safely. The procedure helps to ensure better comfort and fixation of dental appliances. After the procedure, a periodontitis will advise you not to do the following:
Avoid Eating in the First Few Hours
The anesthesia will take some time to wear off, and you should avoid eating during this period. Eating when your gums are numb can increase the likelihood of you biting the cheek, tongue, or lips which can cause damage. After the anesthesia wears off, you can experience mild pain and discomfort. You can take pain medications to manage it.
Avoid Hard Foods
The surgical area requires special attention to facilitate better healing. Ensure you eat soft foods and avoid grinding on the surgical site. You can consider chewing on the opposite side. You can also avoid spicy and hard foods. It is recommended you take foods such as scrambled eggs or soups.
Avoid Smoking and Alcohol
Smoking distorts your immune system and causes a delay in healing. You will have a higher risk of infection with a compromised immune system, which also decreases your body's ability to deliver essential nutrients at the surgical site. Alcohol also minimizes the level of components that reach the site. It reduces the white blood cells essential for healing and ultimately prolongs the healing period.
Avoid Aggressive Brushing and Flossing
Any aggressive activity in your mouth can cause further damage to the surgical site. It is recommended that you avoid flossing the site for a few weeks. Brushing should be done but avoid aggressive techniques that can cause bleeding in this region. Vigorous rinsing of your mouth should also be avoided.
Avoid Using Drinking Straws
After the crown lengthening procedure, it is normal for blood clots to form in the area. The clots are an integral part of healing, and a drinking straw will produce a suction action that will dislodge the clots. Dislodged clots can lead to an extended and painful recovery process.
Gwinnett Dental Implant & Periodontal Center
Dr. Melody J. Schiffer Dr. Gary Greenwald Dr. Andrew Kurialacherry Dr. Nisha Kancherla
Crown lengthening is a procedure done to ensure that dental surgeons have a larger tooth surface they can work with. A more exposed and healthier tooth surface makes it possible to fix dental appliances such as crowns quickly and safely. The procedure helps to ensure better comfort and fixation of dental appliances. After the procedure, a periodontitis will advise you not to do the following: