Crown Lengthening Aftercare Instructions
A day-by-day recovery guide for crown lengthening: what to expect, how to care for yourself, and when to call. Free to read and print.
Crown Lengthening recovery, day by day
Bleeding Control
- Bite on gauze for 30-45 minutes after surgery
- Some oozing is normal for the first 24 hours
- Avoid spitting; let saliva drool into a tissue
Surgical Dressing
- A periodontal dressing, pack may be placed over the surgical site
- Do NOT remove or disturb the dressing
- If it falls off after the first 24 hours, it is usually okay
Pain & Swelling
- Take prescribed pain medication before numbness wears off
- Apply ice pack: 20 min on, 20 min off
- Sleep with head elevated on 2 pillows
Oral Hygiene
- Do NOT brush or floss the surgical area
- Gently brush other teeth normally
- Rinse gently with prescribed mouthwash or warm salt water
Diet
- Soft foods only: yogurt, soup, scrambled eggs, smoothies
- Chew on the opposite side
- Avoid hot, spicy, crunchy, or acidic foods
Healing Progress
- Stitches may dissolve or be removed at follow-up
- Gum tissue will look red/pink and still be healing
- Gradually resume gentle brushing near the surgical area
Recovery wraps up
- Gum tissue should be maturing and firming up
- Resume normal brushing and flossing
- Your tooth is now ready for the planned crown or restoration
When to call your provider or 911
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Fever above 101°F that doesn't respond to medication
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Uncontrolled bleeding lasting more than 4 hours despite gauze pressure
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Severe pain not relieved by prescribed medication
- •Call 911 now if you notice: Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Numbness that persists beyond 24 hours
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Foul taste/odor indicating possible infection
- •Call your care team today if you notice: Pus or discharge from the surgical site
When in doubt, call your clinic. For a medical emergency, call 911.
Recovery milestones
- Day 2
Sutures Dissolve
Stitches dissolve or are removed at follow-up
- Day 5
Recovery Progress Check
Notice what is improving, unchanged, or worsening. Contact the care team if symptoms are getting worse or the next step is unclear.
- Day 7
Ready for Crown
Tooth is ready for planned crown or restoration
For clinics
Stop photocopying aftercare sheets.
QR Rx sends this exact crown lengthening recovery plan to every patient, branded to your practice, opened by a QR code. It checks in automatically, answers post-op questions, asks for a review at the right moment, and brings patients back for their next visit. The aftercare you already owe every patient, doing the work of keeping them.
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