topic Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure in Wellness

Crown Lengthening Procedure

whatsmyname — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 16:07:52 GMT

Hello All,

Has anyone had a crown lengthening procedure? I had a crown placed on an upper back tooth over a year ago and it has been painful since day one. I also had a root canal before the crown was placed. The pain is in the gums (front and back) and my gums are inflamed 24/7. Painful when I touch my face or lay on that side and painful when I touch with my tongue, eat, and brush. This has gone in for a year.

My dentist drilled the crown off and placed a new temporary a couple of weeks ago but that didn’t help. He sent me to a periodontist and she said I need this procedure. It’s pretty invasive. She cuts the gum and removes bone so the crown fits properly. I’ll have dissolvable stitches of course.

I’m scheduled to have the procedure next week and I’m getting really nervous about it.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

Icegoddess — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 16:45:16 GMT

That sounds terrible.

I've had gum removed, but not bone, due to periodontal disease. Those teeth became more sensitive to hot/cold. I only really have that issue now with the upper back tooth. They have to use a plastic pick on that one when doing my cleanings and they can't spray cold water on it.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

phoenixbrd — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 17:41:11 GMT

@whatsmyname So sorry to hear this and now I'm concerned too.

Saw an oral surgeon yesterday and found the crowns that were previously placed on my implants are what is causing me pain etc. I'm being refered for remedy before he will place a new implant. I'm looking at a painful, lengthy, expensive process. But I am happy to start because this has been an issue since the crows were placed...looking forward to resolution and good health this year.

Be sure to ask tons of questions, and if possible, get another opinion. Keep us posted and wishing you a speedy recovery from this process.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

phoenixbrd — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 17:42:22 GMT

whoops...."crows" should have been "crowns"😉

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

Desertdi — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 17:44:38 GMT

@whatsmyname I would rather have an implant. Have you inquired about that?

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

tessam — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:23:10 GMT

I underwent an lengthy and VERY expensive full mouth reconstruction due to problems created by fauly crowns installed many years ago.. Please find a good Prosthodontist (they specialize in tough cases) for an evaluation. I had several crown lengthenings and as I recall they weren't bad. You may require one, but I'd get an evaluation prior to proceeding. It will save you time, pain. and about $175,000 in the long run! best of luck!

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

LindaSal — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 18:39:19 GMT

You generally need a crown lengthening procedure to expose more tooth surface so the crown can fit properly and you will have closed margins. You need enough tooth structure for the crown to be supported by.

It's not a big deal at all, really. You may have a bit of soreness, even a tiny bit of swelling. But honestly nothing an aspirin won't take care of. Best of luck @whatsmyname

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

LindaSal — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 18:40:15 GMT

@tessam It's an endodontist and they specialize in root canal therapy.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

tessam — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 19:26:19 GMT

my message was truncated but corrected

meant Prosthodontist for evaluation

endodentist only for a root canal; some general dentists will do them but

imp and experience best done by specialists

thanks for catching that

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

meem120 — Sat, 04 Feb 2023 21:55:26 GMT

Yes, Ive had it done twice. Its no big deal at all. I needed more space so my crown would fit. I have little teeth so when I needed crown I had to have that done after the root canal and before they put the permanent crown on.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

whatsmyname — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 01:17:09 GMT

Thank you everyone for your replies and well wishes. I am seeing a different dentist for this problem; not the dentist that did the original crown. This new dentist is the one that identified the problem and sent me to the periodontist.

LindaSal, that’s exactly what they are telling me.

Meem120, like you I have small teeth. I’m praying that this works. I am feeling more comfortable reading your experience with the procedure.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

Skyegirl21 — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 01:42:40 GMT

I would ask about options, such as an implant- Sounds like the crown was not that good a solution in the first place, since they are needing to cut off your bone to fit the crown a year later, after you had pain all year - I would get another opinion... I don't think that dentist is so great-

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

patbz — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 05:35:04 GMT

Ask a lot of questions -- even of specialists -- and get a second opinion -- from another specialist. When dental issues get this complicated be very careful; it can end up costing you a lot of $, time and pain. DH had a full mouth of implants and within 3 years they all had to be removed, and another dental practice ( including specialists ) started replacing them and eventually those 4 had to be removed and the end result was dentures. This journey cost us over $40,000 ( not covered by any insurance; thankfully we had Care Credit and paid it all off over a total of 5 years with no interest).

I'm so sorry. This is a major concern and I'm learning t...

phoenixbrd — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 19:52:58 GMT

@patbz I'm so sorry. This is a major concern and I'm learning the hard way that unfortunately not all medical doctor.are professional/ethical/or have the appropriate knowledge. Just finding the right surgeon to understand what was previously done was a challenge.

I mention this, not as a complaint, but so others are aware that you can be duped if not vigilant with medical procedures. My heart goes out to you and your husband...many happy days ahead.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

CelticCrafter — Sun, 05 Feb 2023 20:24:24 GMT

JMO and from personal experience, dentists are the worst scammers in any of the medical professions.

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

Skyegirl21 — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 01:48:57 GMT

Agree with you @CelticCrafter - Many will make you believe procedures are "necessary", when maybe they are not! If you find one that is a minimalist, that's an honest one, hang on to him!
Of course, good at-home dental preventive care is also crucial!

Re: Crown Lengthening Procedure

NYCLatinaMe — Tue, 07 Feb 2023 23:28:57 GMT

@tessam wrote:
I underwent an lengthy and VERY expensive full mouth reconstruction due to problems created by fauly crowns installed many years ago.. Please find a good Prosthodontist (they specialize in tough cases) for an evaluation. I had several crown lengthenings and as I recall they weren't bad. You may require one, but I'd get an evaluation prior to proceeding. It will save you time, pain. and about $175,000 in the long run! best of luck!

@tessam What did you have done for that kind of money? Wow!