How long after a crown-lengthening should your dentist wait before an impression for final crown?

Question:

I had a root canal, followed by crown-lengthening, which was finally completed 3 weeks ago. At that time the dentist put on a temporary crown, which she said is strong enough to eat anything on, brush my teeth, etc. (Although I am nervous about it so I have been very careful.) Anyway, I am scheduled to have an impression tomorrow for the final crown, but someone I work with that had this done said that doesn't make sense, because he had the same procedure done and his dentist had him wait two months before having an impression for the final crown, because the gums can still shrink and are still healing and the size may still change. I really don't want to have this impression tomorrow (which I am terrified about in the first place because of my gag reflex) and then have the size change in a month or so and have to do it all over again. Plus I really don't want to pay for another crown if the size changes next month. Any advice would be appreciated greatly! (Also it's a bottom molar.)

Answers:
Hi! I've been in dentistry for over 25 years and I think I can help you. Most crown lenghtening is done so that there is more tooth for the crown to be cemented to and assure a good solid fit and a long term life span of the crown. However, I find that 3 weeks can be enough, but I feel that you need to ask the dentist to do a probe with the periondontal instrument to be sure the gum is intact and there is no bleeding. The dental hygientist was correct that this is typically a long enough time and I'm sure your dentist will check to make sure of a good margin fit. Once you get the crown, ask her to be sure there is a tight seal and that exposed root is completely covered. Since the root of the tooth has no enamel it is important that the margin of the crown sits down well on the tooth and fits the gum properly.
I have seen this fail because the lab under shots the crown line and later on the patient has latent decay under the crown, so ask questions and stay on top of this.
Now about your gag reflex. Try this. Ask the dentist to keep your chair upright and not put it back so far you think you will gag or vomit. Next, breath through your nose and not your mouth. Relax your tongue and think of something fun and you enjoy alot. The best success I have is not taking a full arch inpression. I do a quadrant tray so ONLY 1/2 of the jaw has the impression material in it. This is such a help I have never had anyone complain. It is a little more tricky to do if you don't have alot of experience. But you will not gag and you will think this is a piece of cake.
Ask you dentist to try this first. The way I make sure I get a perfect bite occulsion it to take a full mouth impression with soft material and pour up the models myself. When I put them on an articulator with a bite registration I know I have a good match when I check the 1/4 tray. Ask about this. You can copy this anser and show it to your dentist. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask. Marie

I honestly don't think there's anything to worry about. I'm sure that your dentist has been doing this for years and knows your personal situation. I am terrified of dentists too, but believe me you'll be so happy you went to get it over with. I think once the crown is secure in your mouth I don't think the tooth will retract much into your gums. Good luck! Hope this eases your mind a bit.

4- 6 weeks is the normal wait at our office before taking the final impression. If your doctor thinks it's okay to go ahead and impress now, I would trust his judgement.

How long after a crown-lengthening should your dentist wait before an impression for final crown?

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