Crown lengthening is recommended when a large part of the outside of the tooth is affected and the dentist needs to place a crown or add a prosthetic device to save the tooth. The procedure involves a few risks and complications also, such as:
Excessive Bleeding
During the surgery, the patient may experience excessive bleeding, which may persist even a few hours after the procedure. Typically, the bleeding should stop 45-60 minutes after the surgery, but in some patients this can last longer. Coagulants should be administered in patients that experience this complication.
Sensitivity to Cold or Hot Foods and Drinks
After the surgery, the patient may experience temporary or permanent sensitivity to cold or hot foods.
Infection
Due to the fact that crown lengthening is a surgery, there is the risk of an infection, which occurs at the incision sites and may affect the tissues and the alveolar bone.
Signs of infection include:
- Severe swelling
- Redness
- Fever
- Severe pain
- Pus accumulation
- Light-colored gum tissue
The swelling and redness may be a side effect after the surgery, but if these symptoms occur more than one week after the surgery, there is probably an infection. Antibiotics should be administered to avoid an infection.
Failure of the Procedure
Crown lengthening may not be successful; the crown may not be placed on the tooth or the tooth may be loose. In some cases, the extraction of the tooth is imminent.
