How Long Does Crown Lengthening Take?
Crown lengthening is a routine dental surgery performed to expose more of a tooth’s surface by adjusting the surrounding gum tissue, and sometimes the bone underneath. Patients often want to know not only what the procedure involves but also how long it takes, from the preparatory appointment to full recovery. The answer varies depending on the complexity of the case and the reason for treatment.
From Consultation to Operation
An initial consultation with your provider does not add much time, but it plays an important role. This preliminary visit typically includes dental X-rays, a periodontal assessment, and a discussion of the goals for treatment. At this stage, the provider determines whether the patient is a good candidate, based on factors like gum and bone levels.
For most patients, the crown lengthening procedure can be completed in a single visit. On average, the surgical portion takes between 30 minutes to one hour for a single tooth. If multiple teeth are involved, or if bone reshaping is required in addition to soft tissue contouring, the procedure may take longer—anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes or more.
The actual duration of the operation also depends on whether crown lengthening is being done for restorative or cosmetic reasons. When the goal is to make room for a crown on a damaged or decayed tooth, the tissue adjustment may be more localized. In cosmetic cases—such as altering a gummy smile—the reshaping is often broader, involving multiple teeth.
Post-Operative Recovery Timeline
While the operation itself usually does not take very long, the full treatment timeline includes healing and recovery, which can span several weeks. The first stage of healing—which sees swelling and soreness return to normal levels—typically takes about 7 to 10 days. Patients are usually advised to avoid vigorous brushing, flossing near the site, or eating hard foods during this window.
However, gum tissue does not fully stabilize in this initial phase. Complete healing, including reattachment of the gums and resolution of all inflammation, may take six to twelve weeks. Dentists often wait until the tissue has fully settled before placing the final crown or other restorations. This waiting period ensures that the margins of the restoration do not become exposed if the gums recede slightly during healing.
In most straightforward cases, the entire crown lengthening process—from consultation to healed gums ready for a permanent crown—will be completed within 120 days. In more complex cases involving several teeth or significant bone reshaping, the timeline can extend to four months or even more. Temporary crowns or interim fillings may be used during this period to protect the treated tooth.
Follow-up appointments are brief but essential. These visits allow the dentist to monitor healing, remove any sutures if needed, and answer questions. Skipping these check-ins can lengthen recovery and increase the chance of complications.
Understanding the typical timeline of the crown lengthening process can help to set realistic expectations, and it ensures that the final results—whether aiming at functional or aesthetic considerations—are strong, lasting, and well-supported by healthy tissue.