How long will crown lengthing take to heal before I can get my crowns? (Photos)

Question

Will I be needing more procedures for a healthy smile? I've asked before about my crowns but I wasn't able to upload pictures and such. I found out I'm allergic to the metal that was used in the crowns I had done in 2008 as a child. Just yesterday both of my crowns on my 8 and 9 fell off. And when they did the most disgusting odor of rotten flesh hit me. I have a gummy smile decaying teeth, pain and gum swelling, went to the Dr today said I need crown lengthing, new crowns and possibly crowns on my 7 and ten. Any advice? For more info let me know.

Lance Timmerman, DMD, MAGD · Answer

This is not an easy case.  Even with 8 and 9 "crown lengthened", they are weaker/compromised teeth and in the big picture may be lost (extracted).  Dental implants will be the answer, but due to crown lengthening there will be less bone (which is needed to secure the implants).  Also, if only 8 and 9 are lengthened, it will be obvious due to the "gummy smile", so really the anterior region should ALL be done.I suggest seeing a periodontist to evaluate all options.

Yasser A. Elseweifi, DDS · Answer

When crowns are put very deep under the gum they often irritate the gum as they violate the healthy gum and bones around teeth. Treatment would be crown lengthening with bone trimming around the tooth. After surgery, temporary crowns should be placed and the area allowed to heal for few months.

Vicki Borowski, DDS · Answer

Thanks for posting the pictures. Your case is a bit challenging. First of all, if 8 and 9 fell out they were leaking and the cement was breaking down. The bacteria that were leaking under your crowns caused the bad odor, not rotting fleah. From your pictures your tissue around the crowns does appear inflammed. This could be a metal allergy or more likely it is because the crowns invaded the biologic width when they were originally placed. The challenge in your case comes from the fact that you have a very mobile upper lip. If you crown  lengthen then crowns on just 8 and 9 you will have two long oversized teeth compared to the remaining teeth. A better result would come from crown lenghtening the front 8 teeth,  replacing the crowns on 8 and 9 and veneering the additional 6. The best way to determine the ideal treatment plan for your case is to visit a dentist with more cosmetic experience. Photographs, x-rays and diagnostic models may be needed to determine the best course of action. I suggest really taking a good look at your options because you don't want to be repeating treatment every 8 years and you also want to have a beautiful smile.

How long will crown lengthing take to heal before I can get my crowns? (Photos)

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How long will crown lengthing take to heal before I can get my crowns? (Photos)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

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