You just left your appointment and we want to make sure your recovery is as comfortable and effective as possible. Follow these instructions carefully.

What Was Done?

Crown lengthening is a periodontal surgical procedure in which gum tissue — and sometimes bone — is reshaped to expose more of the tooth structure. This can be done for two reasons:

Functional reason: When the tooth doesn’t have enough visible structure for a crown to fit properly. The procedure allows the crown to have a solid and durable foundation.
Aesthetic reason: To correct a ‘gummy smile’ (when too much gum shows when smiling), leveling the gum line for a more harmonious smile.

Local anesthesia was administered during the procedure. It is completely normal to feel discomfort once the anesthesia wears off. This typically happens 2 to 4 hours after the procedure.

The First 24 Hours

The most important period for a good recovery

Apply cold immediately: Use cold compresses or ice wrapped in cloth on your cheek. Apply 20 minutes with cold, 20 minutes rest. Repeat for the first 6-8 hours. Cold significantly reduces swelling and pain.
Rest with head elevated: Keep your head higher than your body when resting or sleeping. Use extra pillows. This reduces blood flow to the area and minimizes swelling.
If there is light bleeding: Light bleeding for the first few hours is completely normal. Gently bite on sterile gauze for 30 minutes. Don’t spit or rinse forcefully — this can displace the healing tissue.
Avoid physical exertion: No exercise, heavy activities, or strain for the first 48 hours. Increased blood pressure can cause more bleeding and swelling.

Prescribed Medication

Take your medications exactly as instructed

IMPORTANT: Start taking your pain reliever BEFORE the anesthesia wears off (approximately 2 hours after the procedure). Don’t wait until it hurts — pain is much harder to control once it sets in.

Pain Reliever / Anti-inflammatory — Ibuprofen or Naproxen (as prescribed): Controls pain and reduces inflammation. Take with food to protect your stomach. Follow the schedule even if you’re not in pain.
Antibiotic — As prescribed: If we prescribed antibiotics, it is essential that you complete the full course even if you feel well. Stopping early can cause bacterial resistance and infection.
Chlorhexidine Rinse — 0.12% — as indicated: Use it twice a day starting the day after the procedure. Rinse gently for 30 seconds. Do not swallow. Chlorhexidine is your best ally against bacteria in the surgical area.

Avoid aspirin — it interferes with clotting and can increase bleeding. If you have questions about medications you regularly take, consult us.

Swelling and Pain: What to Expect

Knowing the normal progression will help you avoid unnecessary worry

Day 1 — Onset of discomfort (Normal): The anesthesia wears off and discomfort begins. There may be light bleeding. Swelling starts to appear. Take your medication on time.
Day 2-3 — Peak swelling (Normal): Swelling reaches its maximum — this is completely normal. Pain should be controlled with medication. From day 3 you should notice improvement.
Day 4-5 — Getting better (Improving): Swelling begins to decrease. Pain reduces noticeably. You can gradually resume activities with caution.
Day 6-10 — Suture removal (Improving): If we placed sutures, they are removed during this period. The gum is in advanced healing.
Week 2-4 — Active healing (Good): The gum continues to mature. You may have occasional minor discomfort. Your mouth is returning to normal.
4-8 weeks — Ready for the crown (Good): Once the gum is fully healed, we proceed to place the final crown. The wait is essential to ensure the crown fits perfectly.

Diet for the First Days

What you eat directly affects your recovery

Always chew on the opposite side from the surgery
Warm or cool temperature — avoid very hot foods
Soft foods for at least 7-10 days
No hard, crunchy, or sticky foods
Avoid small seeds that can get under the gum (sesame, chia, poppy)

Recommended Foods

Smooth natural yogurt
Mashed potato or sweet potato
Scrambled eggs or soft omelet
Warm (not hot) soups
Soft cooked fish
Avocado
Banana and soft fruits
Gelatin and custard
Ice cream (no chunks or nuts)
Well-cooked oatmeal
Very well cooked pasta
Soft white rice

Foods to Avoid

Very hot or very cold foods (increased sensitivity)
Tough or fibrous meat
Toast, crackers, chips
Nuts, peanuts, seeds
Spicy foods
Alcohol (interferes with healing and medications)
Acidic citrus fruits (orange, lemon)
Chewing gum
Foods with small seeds

Oral Hygiene During Recovery

Keeping the area clean is essential — but with great care

The operated area is delicate. Do not brush directly over the treated gum for the first 7-10 days. However, keeping the rest of your mouth clean is equally important.

Day 1 (day of surgery) — Don’t brush the area: Avoid the operated area completely. You can carefully brush the rest of your teeth. Do not rinse.
Day 2 onwards — Start chlorhexidine rinse: Start using chlorhexidine rinse twice a day (morning and night). Let the liquid flow gently over the area — don’t rinse vigorously. This rinse temporarily replaces brushing in that area.
Day 3-7 — Very gentle brushing around it: You can begin to gently brush the teeth adjacent to the area, without touching the operated gum. Use an ultra-soft toothbrush. Continue with chlorhexidine rinse.
After sutures removed — Gradually resume normal hygiene: Once the sutures are removed and with your dentist’s indication, you can gradually resume your normal hygiene routine. Always be gentle in the area that was operated.

Additional hygiene tips:

Always use a soft or ultra-soft bristle toothbrush
Do not use dental floss in the treated area until we tell you to
If using a water flosser, avoid pointing it directly at the surgical area
Chlorhexidine may slightly stain teeth with prolonged use — this is temporary and removed with professional cleaning

Sutures

If we placed sutures, they are generally removed between day 7 and 10. Do not attempt to remove them yourself. If a suture falls out early, it’s not urgent but let us know at your next appointment.

Periodontal Dressing (gum bandage)

In some cases we place a dressing or bandage over the operated area. This dressing protects the wound during the first days. If it partially falls off or shifts, don’t be alarmed — contact us to know whether it needs to be replaced.

Activities to Avoid

Especially during the first week

Smoking (Important): Tobacco is the number one enemy of healing. Nicotine reduces blood flow to the operated tissue and greatly multiplies the risk of complications. Avoid smoking for at least 2 weeks — ideally throughout the entire healing period.
Alcohol (Important): Alcohol interferes with medications (especially antibiotics) and affects healing. Avoid it completely while taking medications and at least 5 days after.
Intense exercise: Wait at least 48-72 hours before resuming moderate physical activity. Exertion increases blood pressure and can cause bleeding. No contact sports for 2 weeks.
Direct sun and intense heat: Avoid direct sun exposure, saunas and very hot baths for the first 2-3 days. Heat increases inflammation.
Straws: The suction they create can disturb healing tissue. Drink directly from the glass.
Touching or probing the area: Avoid touching the operated area with your tongue, fingers, or any object. The tissue is very fragile during the first days.

Warning Signs

Contact the clinic immediately if:

Bleeding that won’t stop: If bleeding is heavy and doesn’t stop after 30-45 minutes of firm pressure with gauze.
Pain that progressively increases: If after day 3 the pain is increasing rather than decreasing, it may indicate a complication.
Fever above 38°C (100.4°F): Fever can be a sign of infection. Don’t ignore it.
Rapidly spreading swelling: If swelling spreads to the neck, jaw or you have difficulty opening your mouth, seek urgent care.
Persistent bad taste or smell: A very unpleasant taste or odor that doesn’t improve may indicate infection in the wound.
Feeling that your bite has changed: If you feel your bite has changed significantly, let us know.

This is completely normal:

Discomfort and sensitivity for the first few days
Swelling that increases until day 2-3 then decreases
Very light bleeding or spotting the first few hours
Small bruises on the cheek or neck
Tingling sensation as feeling returns
Mild difficulty opening your mouth the first days
Slightly reddish saliva on the first day
Mild bad taste for the first days

What Happens After Healing?

Crown lengthening is just the first step

Complete healing: The gum needs to fully heal before placing the crown. This process generally takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on the case.
Verification appointment: We evaluate that the gum has healed correctly and that the tooth proportion is ideal to receive the crown.
Crown impression: We take the exact measurement of your tooth to fabricate the custom crown.
Crown placement: Once ready, we place the final crown. The result is a restored tooth that will look and function naturally.

The waiting period between the lengthening and the crown is essential. Placing the crown before the gum heals can compromise both the aesthetics and the fit and longevity of the crown.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will I be in pain?

Most patients report that the most intense discomfort lasts 2-3 days. With proper medication it is perfectly manageable. From day 4-5 improvement is noticeable. If pain increases after day 3, contact us.

Can I go to work the next day?

It depends on your job. If it’s desk work or from home, yes. If it involves physical effort, a lot of public speaking or sun exposure, we recommend taking at least 2 days off.

What if a suture falls out?

It’s not an emergency. If it falls out after day 5, the wound is probably already sufficiently closed. Let us know at your next appointment. If it falls out very early and the wound opens, contact us.

Can I brush my teeth normally?

The rest of your teeth, yes. The operated area — NO for the first 7-10 days. Keep that area clean with chlorhexidine rinse. Your dentist will tell you when to resume normal brushing there.

Is it normal to see something white in my gum?

In some cases whitish tissue can be seen — this is normal healing tissue. However, if there is intense pain or the appearance concerns you, send us a photo on WhatsApp so we can evaluate it.

When can I smoke?

Ideally, don’t smoke throughout the entire healing period. At minimum, wait 72 hours. Every cigarette you avoid significantly improves your recovery. Tobacco is the most common cause of post periodontal surgery complications.

When will I get the crown placed?

The gum needs to heal completely first. This generally takes 4 to 8 weeks. Your dentist will assess at the follow-up appointment when the area is ready to continue.

Can I use dental floss?

Avoid flossing in the operated area until we indicate it’s ready. On the rest of your teeth you can continue using it normally.

Will my gum look good in the end?

The final result is seen once healing is complete. During the first weeks the gum may look irregular, with different shades or slightly different — this is temporary. The final shape stabilizes in 4-8 weeks.

What do I do if I have a lot of pain at night?

Take the pain reliever dose we indicated. Sleep with your head elevated. Apply cold (not heat) if swelling is notable. If the pain is unbearable or doesn’t subside, contact us on WhatsApp.

Care After Crown Lengthening