Is Crown Lengthening Painful? Here Is A Patient's Guide

Is Crown Lengthening Painful? A Patient's Guide

Quick question: when you hear the words "dental surgery," what springs to mind?

For most people, pain is one of the first concerns. Climbing into the dentist's chair for a treatment like crown lengthening can be intimidating, especially when you don't know what to expect.

The good news is that the vast majority of dental surgeries involve little to no pain. If you've been considering crown lengthening to improve your oral health or the look of your smile, you've likely wondered, "Is crown lengthening painful?"

Rest assured that the sensation is nowhere near what you might imagine! Let's take a look at what to expect from this routine procedure.

A woman in a pink shirt is covering her mouth with her hands.

Is Crown Lengthening Painful?

You can breathe a sigh of relief: the crown lengthening process should not be painful!

As with most surgical dental procedures, you'll get a local anesthetic to relieve pain. This medication may be an injection or topical treatment. With an injection, you may feel a small pinching sensation.

These anesthetics work fast, often taking effect within a few minutes. They will last for at least the length of your procedure. With the anesthetic in effect, the surgical area should feel numb.

You may feel a sensation of pressure or tingling as your dentist performs the crown lengthening. However, this shouldn't cause any pain. If you feel an ache, let your dentist know right away!

If you prefer, you can also opt for sedation during your procedure. This can help you relax and minimize anxiety. Depending on the type of sedation you and your dentist choose, you may be awake and relaxed or under deep sedation to keep you still.

Keep in mind that the crown lengthening steps will likely cause discomfort after your procedure.

During the oral surgery, your dentist will cut into your gums to expose the tooth root below. You will experience bleeding, as the soft tissue of your mouth will be damaged in the process. Healing from these incisions will involve mild pain.

What About the Crown Lengthening Recovery?

As the anesthesia wears off after your procedure, you may start to feel discomfort.

Some of the most common side effects of crown lengthening include swelling, redness, and soreness. You may also notice increased sensitivity to hot and cold foods, but this should go away in time.

Your dentist will discuss aftercare steps to help you heal, deal with pain, and start the recovery process.

Routine Changes

Your dentist will recommend resting for a few days after your procedure. You should avoid any strenuous physical activity, which can sometimes delay healing or cause your gums to bleed.

Avoid hot foods for 24 hours after your procedure. These foods can sometimes cause bleeding to last longer. Soft foods can also help minimize pain.

After your procedure, your dentist will place a dressing around the surgical site to curb bleeding. You'll need to leave this in for as long as your dentist recommends, often one to two weeks. They may also give you a stent or upper denture to keep in place for the first 24 hours after your procedure.

Make sure to attend any follow-up appointments you have scheduled! These give your dentist a chance to check the surgical site, replace dressings, and monitor the healing process.

Recovery Timeline

Every patient will have a different recovery timeline. However, as a general rule of thumb, you can expect full healing within around six to eight weeks. Before your full healing is complete, you'll be able to resume your normal eating, drinking, and speaking habits.

How Do You Deal With the Pain?

During the early days after your procedure, your dentist will recommend a few tips for dealing with pain. Here are some of the tips they'll likely offer:

Taking Pain Relievers

Your dentist may recommend OTC pain relievers or provide a prescription. Make sure you're taking only the types of medications they advise, as certain blood-thinning pain relievers may not be ideal after surgery.

Use Ice Therapy

To reduce swelling and relieve pain, ice therapy can be a huge help. Your dentist will likely tell you to use ice therapy on and off for the first 24 hours after your surgery whether you feel pain or not. This can keep any inflammation from getting worse.

When using ice therapy, always wrap the ice pack in a towel or cloth. Place it against the outside of your mouth, never against your gums!

Brush and Floss With Care

To keep from re-injuring the surgical site, be careful when you brush and floss. Your dentist may recommend skipping the surgical area during cleaning for the first day or so after your surgery. Don't use mouthwash except what your dentist prescribes, if any.

When Should You Call Your Dentist?

There's a small risk of complications like inflammation or infection with any type of surgery, no matter how minimal the procedure is. That's why it's important to be on the lookout for symptoms that could raise a red flag.

If you have a dental emergency that causes damage or bleeding, call your dentist right away. They may need to treat and re-dress the area. You should also call your dentist if at any point you can't stop the bleeding from your gums.

If you notice severe sensitivity or pain that hasn't receded within a few days of your procedure, alert your dentist. This is especially true if the pain gets worse, not better.

Be on the lookout for signs of infection as well. Lasting redness, fever, extreme pain, or discolored gum tissue are signs that something has gone wrong.

Crown Lengthening for Healthy Teeth

Though you may understandably feel nervous about any new dental treatment, keep in mind that crown lengthening is considered a safe, routine procedure. Our expert staff is adept at offering painless procedures and helping patients minimize any aches during recovery. There's no reason to worry about this simple treatment!

Now that you've stopped wondering "Is crown lengthening painful?" it's time to reach out for a healthier smile. Dental Arts of Catoosa is happy to create personalized treatment plans to help you achieve peak dental health, and our evening and weekend schedule makes it easy to get the help you need. Contact us to learn more or book an appointment online!

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Benefits of Laser Cavity Filling | Dental Arts of OK Guide

By Dental Arts of Catoosa • March 28, 2025

According to the Centers for Disease Control, about 21% of adults ages 20 to 64 have at least one untreated cavity. Leaving a cavity untreated can lead to a severe infection that may spread throughout the body. In rare cases, it can become fatal. Instead of delaying treatment, ask your dentist in Catoosa, OK, about getting a laser cavity filling . What are the benefits of this dental innovation? Read on to find out! Why Seek Treatment? According to the World Health Organization , untreated dental cavities in permanent teeth are the most common health condition worldwide. Cavities are holes that develop due to untreated tooth decay. Acids can wear down (erode) your tooth's protective outer layer (enamel). Common symptoms of a cavity include: Bad breath Toothaches A bad taste in the mouth Sensitivity to hot or cold Facial swelling Bleeding gums If these symptoms sound familiar, consult your Catoosa, OK dentist right away. They can recommend a pain-free cavity treatment. Without treatment, the cavity can reach your tooth pulp (the innermost layer of a tooth). An infection may form on the tip of the tooth's root before spreading to the surrounding tissues. In rare cases, the infection can spread to the bloodstream (sepsis) or the brain. A dental filling can restore your tooth before you require more extensive treatments. What Is Laser Dentistry? Laser dentistry is a minimally invasive dentistry procedure that uses highly concentrated light. The light can remove or reshape tissue. In addition to treating cavities, this dental innovation is also used for: Gum disease Teeth whitening Hypersensitivity Uses Though still used among other modern dental techniques, laser dentistry became common in the 1990s. It can be used for both hard and soft tissue procedures. Hard tissue procedures include: Cavity detection Tooth sensitivity treatment Tooth preparations and dental fillings The laser may find evidence of tooth decay, allowing you to begin immediate cavity treatment. During the procedure, you won't require local anesthesia or traditional drills. Instead, the laser will kill the bacteria in your cavity, improving the tooth's long-term health. Soft tissue procedures include: Crown lengthening Treating gummy smiles Treating tongue frenulum attachment The laser can reshape gum tissue if the gums are covering your teeth, improving the appearance of your smile. Crown lengthening involves reshaping bone and tissue to improve the tooth's structure. This can help with placing future tooth restorations. Other procedures include: Removing benign tumors Treating TMJ Treating obstructive sleep apnea Viewing the inside of a tooth or gum tissue Teeth whitening Treating cold sores Nerve regeneration Benefits A laser cavity filling procedure can help with more than improving dental health. Here are a few benefits to discuss with your family dentist if you need cavity treatment. Cavity Detection Not all cavities appear at a surface level, making them more difficult to detect. In some cases, dentists can struggle to reach the damaged area. The dentist may need to remove teeth to properly view or repair the infected tooth. A dental laser can detect and treat cavities that aren't easy to see. The laser will assess parts of the mouth that other dental instruments can't. Choosing modern dental techniques may save your tooth. Minimally Invasive Dentistry Dental drills can sometimes unnecessarily remove natural, undamaged portions of a tooth. Dental lasers, on the other hand, are precise and less invasive. This precision allows them to remove decayed or damaged tissue without harming surrounding structures. Choosing this minimally invasive dentistry technique can help with improving dental health. If dental drills make you nervous, this option can also provide peace of mind. Since the treatment is minimally invasive, your recovery time may improve. You can get back to eating your favorite foods without prolonged delay. Combats Infection Dental lasers sterilize tissue as they work. This ensures that residual bacteria are eliminated during the procedure. Choosing treatment using a dental laser may help reduce your risk of post-treatment complications, including infection. Carbon dioxide lasers can strengthen your tooth enamel's natural structure, making the tooth more resilient than before. Remember, dental lasers can treat both hard and soft tissues. According to market research company Grand View Research , laser dentistry is primarily used in periodontics (17.8% of all applications). Talk to your dentist if you have periodontal (gum) disease. They can treat the infection before it affects your overall health. Pain-Free Cavity Treatment Modern dental techniques are more effective at finding and cleaning cavities without causing as much pain as older dental instruments. You may not need much or any anesthetic during your procedure. Instead, you can remain comfortable while receiving the treatment you need. Safe for Improving Dental Health If you have a cavity, this dental innovation is a safe and effective treatment option. It's safe for both children and adults. Recognizing these benefits may give you peace of mind before your appointment. Lasers are more precise than drills. There's a lower chance that a dentist will damage other parts of your tooth while removing the infected area. Less Dental Anxiety Since this pain-free cavity treatment is less invasive, it won't cause discomfort, which may ease a patient's dental anxiety. Reduced dental anxiety can encourage patients to return for routine appointments. Scheduling regular appointments and preventive dentistry can protect your oral and overall health. If you have crippling dental anxiety, talk to your Catoosa dentist about sedation dentistry. Sedation dentistry can keep you calm during the procedure to ensure you receive the care you need. Your dentist can develop a customized treatment plan based on your concerns. Schedule Your Laser Cavity Filling Getting a laser cavity filling can protect your smile and improve your overall health. Don't delay seeking treatment for your cavity. Instead, consult your Catoosa, OK dentist to determine if this pain-free cavity treatment is right for you. At Dental Arts, we prioritize our patients to ensure they receive the treatment they need. With up to 25% off in-office dental plans, convenient evening and weekend appointments, and a commitment to providing excellent care in a friendly environment, we can make it easy for you to maintain peak dental health. Contact us now to schedule your laser cavity filling appointment!

Dental Bonding vs. Veneers: Which Cosmetic Treatment Is Right for You?

By Dental Arts of Catoosa • March 24, 2025

Cosmetic dentistry is growing at an unprecedented rate. According to Identity Dental Marketing, in 2024, the number of people who underwent treatments like veneers, teeth whitening, and complete smile makeovers significantly increased. The surge in demand reflects a growing desire for brighter, more uniform smiles and increased confidence in personal and professional settings. Both procedures can enhance your smile. However, they differ in their approach, longevity, cost, and suitability for different dental concerns. Understanding the differences between veneers and bonding can help you choose the best option. Keep reading to explore their unique benefits, costs, and which treatment might be the best fit for you. What is dental boding? Dental bonding is when a tooth-colored composite resin is applied to the teeth to correct imperfections. The resin is strategically sculpted, hardened with a special light, and polished to integrate with the natural tooth. This treatment is excellent for minor cosmetic matters and is one of the quickest and most affordable ways to enhance your smile. Dental Bonding Benefits Dental bonding is an effective and affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth . It is a great option for minor cosmetic enhancements without invasive procedures. Here's a deeper dive into the benefits: Quick and painless: The procedure is usually completed in a single visit, often in less than an hour per tooth Affordable: The cost of veneers vs bonding favors bonding, making it the more budget-friendly solution Reversible: Since very little to no enamel is removed, the procedure can be reversed if desired. Great for minor corrections: Bonding is best for small chips, slight discoloration, and minor gaps between teeth. what are dental veneers? Dental veneers are customized thin shells commonly created out of porcelain and bonded to the teeth' front surface. Veneers are a complete smile transformation. They provide a long-lasting solution for various dental imperfections. Veneers Benefits Dental veneers provide a long-term solution for those looking to enhance their smile. They are an excellent choice for individuals seeking a more dramatic transformation with lasting results. With their ability to mimic the natural translucency of teeth, veneers offer a highly realistic and aesthetically pleasing appearance. Durable and long-lasting: Porcelain veneers can last 10-40 years with proper care Stain-resistant: Unlike natural teeth, porcelain veneers resist staining from coffee, wine, and other pigmented foods Comprehensive smile enhancement: They can cover discoloration, close gaps, fix misshapen teeth, and create a uniform, aesthetically pleasing smile Differences Between Veneers and Dental Bonding Cosmetic dental treatments vary in approach and effectiveness, making it essential to understand which option best suits your needs. When you are looking at dental bonding vs veneers, it is important to know that they both enhance the smile but differ in several ways. Material and Appearance Dental bonding uses a tooth-colored composite resin sculpted directly onto the tooth. Veneers, on the other hand, are made from porcelain or composite material. They offer a highly polished, natural appearance that mimics real teeth. Durability and Lifespan Dental bonding typically lasts five to seven years, while veneers can last 10 to 40 years with proper care. Veneers are more resistant to chipping and cracking compared to bonding. Stain Resistance Composite resin used in bonding can stain over time, especially with regular consumption of wine, tea, coffee. Porcelain veneers, however, are highly stain-resistant, keeping your smile bright for years to come. Procedure Time Bonding is a quick solution, often completed in one visit. Veneers usually require multiple appointments. The veneer process involves: Taking impressions Fabricating the veneers in a dental lab and bonding them to the teeth Tooth Preparation Minimal to no enamel is removed for bonding, making it a more conservative option. This makes bonding an attractive choice for those who want to maintain the integrity of their natural teeth. Veneers require the removal of a thin layer of enamel to ensure a proper fit, making them a permanent choice. Cost of Veneers vs Bonding The cost of veneers vs bonding varies significantly. Bonding is generally more affordable, with an average cost ranging from $300 to $600 per tooth . Veneers, on the other hand, are a more substantial investment, costing between $900 and $2,500 per tooth . The price difference is due to the materials used, the procedure's complexity, and the results' longevity. While veneers have a higher upfront cost, they last longer than bonding. This makes them a worthwhile investment for those seeking a permanent cosmetic solution. Are You a Candidate for Cosmetic Dentistry? Anyone unhappy with their smile due to discoloration, chips, gaps, or uneven teeth may benefit from cosmetic dentistry options like bonding or veneers. However, healthy teeth and gums are essential before undergoing any cosmetic treatment. Issues like cavities or gum disease must be addressed first to ensure long-term success. A consultation with a qualified dentist will help determine the best course of action based on your dental health and cosmetic goals. Why Choose Dental Arts for Your Smile Makeover? At Dental Arts in Locust Grove, OK, we understand that choosing a cosmetic dental procedure is a significant decision. Dr. Michaelsen and his team provide top-tier cosmetic dentistry options in a welcoming, patient-focused environment. Here's why patients trust Dental Arts: Experienced and compassionate care: Our team prioritizes patient health and comfort Flexible scheduling: Evening and early morning appointments make it easier for working professionals to get the care they need Affordable solutions: We offer an in-house dental plan to help reduce costs for our patients Personalized treatment plans: Every smile is unique, and we customize treatments to fit your needs Dental Bonding vs Veneers: Making the Right Choice Choosing between dental bonding vs veneers depends on your specific needs, budget, and long-term goals. Dental bonding benefits those who want a quick, cost-effective fix for minor imperfections. Veneers benefit those seeking a long-lasting, stain-resistant solution for a perfect smile. Consulting a trusted cosmetic dentist can help you determine the best option for your situation. At Dental Arts, we offer comprehensive cosmetic consultations to guide you toward the best treatment for your dream smile. Contact Dental Arts in Locust Grove, OK, today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you achieve the confident, beautiful smile you deserve!