Dental Crown Lengthening Surgery: Process, Cost, and Recovery
If your dentist has recommended crown lengthening before placing a new crown or fixing a broken tooth, it is natural to have questions. This minor surgical procedure is common and well understood, but understanding what it involves can ease your mind before you sit in the chair. Here is a plain-English guide for patients in DLF Phase 2, Gurugram.
What Is Crown Lengthening Surgery?
Crown lengthening is a periodontal (gum) procedure where a dentist or periodontist removes a small amount of gum tissue, and sometimes a bit of underlying bone, to expose more of the natural tooth structure. This gives your dentist enough healthy tooth above the gumline to properly fit a crown, filling, or veneer.
It is also used for cosmetic reasons, when a gummy smile makes teeth look short and a dentist reshapes the gumline to create a more balanced, proportionate smile.
Why Is It Needed Before a Crown?
A crown needs a certain amount of solid tooth structure to grip onto for strength and a proper seal. When a tooth has broken below the gumline, has a deep cavity, or has a short clinical crown, there simply is not enough tooth visible for the new crown to attach securely. Crown lengthening solves this by uncovering more of the tooth.
Who Typically Needs This Procedure?
- Patients with a tooth fractured at or below the gumline
- Those with deep decay that extends under the gum tissue
- Patients getting a crown or bridge on a tooth with insufficient visible structure
- People wanting cosmetic correction for a gummy smile
- Cases where an old crown keeps coming loose due to short tooth height
Your dentist at Cliniva Dental Clinic will examine your tooth, take an X-ray, and measure the available tooth structure before recommending this procedure. It is not needed for every crown, only when there is a genuine structural reason.
What Happens During the Procedure
- Numbing the area: Local anaesthesia is given so the area is completely numb.
- Reshaping gum and bone: The dentist carefully trims excess gum tissue and, if needed, removes a small amount of bone to expose more tooth.
- Stitching: The gum is repositioned and sutured to support proper healing.
- Protective dressing: A periodontal dressing may be placed over the area to protect it while it heals.
The procedure usually takes 30 minutes to an hour per tooth, depending on how many teeth are involved and whether bone removal is required.
Cost of Crown Lengthening in Gurugram
Pricing depends on the number of teeth treated, whether bone reshaping is required, and the complexity of your case. As a general guide for DLF Phase 2, Gurugram:
| Procedure Type | Typical Range (INR) |
|---|---|
| Single tooth, gum tissue only | ₹4,000 to ₹8,000 |
| Single tooth, with minor bone reshaping | ₹7,000 to ₹14,000 |
| Cosmetic lengthening (multiple front teeth) | ₹15,000 to ₹35,000 |
These are typical ranges only. Your final cost will be confirmed after an in-person examination at Cliniva Dental Clinic. Please call +91 98103 71228 to book a consultation and get an accurate estimate for your case.
Recovery Timeline
Healing happens in stages, and most patients return to normal routines quickly:
- Day 1 to 3: Mild swelling, tenderness, and some bleeding are normal. Soft foods and prescribed medication help manage this.
- Day 4 to 7: Stitches are usually removed or dissolve on their own. Discomfort reduces significantly.
- Week 2 to 4: Gum tissue continues to firm up and settle into its new shape.
- Week 4 to 8: Full healing is typically complete, and this is when your dentist will take impressions for the permanent crown.
Caring for Your Gums After Surgery
Good aftercare speeds up healing and reduces complications. Simple steps include eating soft, cool foods for the first few days, avoiding vigorous brushing near the treated area until advised, using a prescribed antiseptic mouth rinse, and avoiding smoking or alcohol during the healing phase. Your dentist will give you specific instructions based on your procedure.
If you have been told you need crown lengthening or want to know if it is right for your tooth, our team at Cliniva Dental Clinic in DLF Phase 2, Sector 25, Gurugram can guide you through the process with a straightforward examination and clear explanation of next steps.
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Cliniva Dental Clinic · DLF Phase 2, Sector 25, Gurugram
Frequently asked questions
Is crown lengthening surgery painful?
The procedure itself is done under local anaesthesia, so you will not feel pain during it. Mild to moderate discomfort for 2 to 4 days afterward is normal and is managed well with prescribed painkillers.
How long before I can get my crown after lengthening surgery?
Your dentist usually waits 4 to 8 weeks for the gum and bone to heal and settle into their final shape before taking impressions for the permanent crown. Placing it too early can lead to an ill-fitting restoration.
Can crown lengthening be done for cosmetic reasons only?
Yes, it is commonly used to correct a gummy smile by reshaping gum tissue to show more tooth structure. This is called cosmetic or aesthetic crown lengthening and follows a similar process.
Will my tooth feel different after the surgery?
You may notice mild sensitivity to cold or sweet foods for a few weeks since more of the tooth root surface is exposed. This usually settles once healing is complete and the crown is placed.
Treatment costs mentioned on this page are indicative ranges for the DLF Phase 2, Gurugram region. Your exact cost depends on your case and will be confirmed after a clinical examination at the clinic.