Wellness

[whatsmyname]

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.

[Icegoddess]

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.  

[phoenixbrd]

@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.

[phoenixbrd]

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

[Desertdi]

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

[tessam]

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! 

[LindaSal]

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 

[LindaSal]

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

[tessam]

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

[meem120]

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.