How long after crown lengthening procedure can a crown be put in?

Question

after a crown lengthening procedure, the provisional crown doesn't fit at all, and it doesn't hold there. Considering a healing period is needed after the crown lengthening, is it a good idea to put in another provisional crown less than three weeks after the crown lengthening procedure? My dentist says the tooth cannot be uncovered, and strongly urges a provisional put in right now. I'm not sure if more healing time should pass before a provisional crown is put in.

Christopher Hill, DMD · Answer

It would be acceptable to place a new temporary on the tooth at this point.  However, the final restoration, as you have been told, would need to wait until all healing has occurred, to make sure that the gum tissue does not change.

Susan Hollinsworth, DDS (retired) · Answer

I agree with your dentist that the tooth should be covered so if the current provisional crown isn't working, then a new one should be made or cement the current provisional crown with a stronger cement. If a new one is made, the margins or edges of it cannot be extended to where the margins of the final crown will be because you do not want to encroach on the gum tissue until healing is complete, usually 6-8 weeks.

How long after crown lengthening procedure can a crown be put in?

Answers (2)