I have smaller lateral incisors and need crown lengthening to correct it. How long does it take for lengthening to heal? (Photo)

Question

I minor gum contouring last year but I was told I need bone removed in order to fully even out the gum. I am getting married in 2 months, and I do not want to risk being swollen, red, etc. at the wedding. Is it crazy to do this procedure now or should I wait until after? I thought about getting botox above my lip to lower the lip a bit but I'm worried it will distort my smile. I would love your professional and medical opinion and advice. Thank you!

Michael D. Kosdon, DDS · Answer

Generally we like to wait between 6-8 weeks for crown lengthening to heal completely. If the area is in the smile zone, I would always wait a little longer 10-12 weeks for the bone and tissue to stabilize. 
Obviously these are just guidelines, and other factors need to be considered, including how much bone is removed and what type of gingival tissue you have.
Usually the gum tissue heals within a few days, so I wouldn't be so concerned with being swollen or having redness 2 months after the procedure. That being said, its probably best to hold off on the procedure until after your wedding. Surgery can be unpredictable, and even the most routine procedure can have complications, and the risk of that so close to your wedding is not advisable. You may want to see if you dentist can do a laser ginvectomy. Even though this wont give you a permanent results, it will help balance out the gingival heights, giving you a more attractive smile for your big day!
One thing to consider, after having crown lengthening done, you will have to put a veneer or crown on your tooth. Crown lengthening usually exposes the root of the tooth, which is always a darker shade than the enamel. A veneer will fix this and give you the best cosmetic result!

Kourosh Maddahi, DDS · Answer

Hi:If you require bone removal then you should wait 3 months to be safe or at least 8 weeks after surgery.Best,Dr. Maddahi

Joseph B. Silberman, DMD, FAGD · Answer

If you did the crown lengthening now, by the time your wedding was here, you would probably be ok. It takes about 6-8 weeks of healing to look "normal" under most circumstances. It might be cutting it close.(no pun intended) I would avoid doing Botox. You have a great smile and ideally if that lateral was a bit longer your smile would be perfect, but that's ok. Your spouse will love you either way! The Botox will alter the way you smile and your smile  might not feel natural for your wedding. I hope this helps!

I have smaller lateral incisors and need crown lengthening to correct it. How long does it take for lengthening to heal? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I have smaller lateral incisors and need crown lengthening to correct it. How long does it take for lengthening to heal? (Photo)

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Dental Crown

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.