How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?
Crown lengthening is a procedure used in dentistry which removes excess gum and bone tissue. The goal of the procedure is to expose additional surface area of the natural teeth. This treatment is often used to improve the appearance of what is called a gummy smile. A gummy smile is commonly caused by genetics or certain prescription medications. It results in gums looking oversized and the teeth appearing smaller than normal. The teeth are typically the correct length, they are simply covered with excess gum tissue. When the crown lengthening procedure is suggested by a dentist, patients are often left with questions about how much the treatment costs. Information regarding crown lengthening and the estimated cost is summarized below.
Procedure
Crown lengthening begins with the oral surgeon removing and reshaping the gum tissue. This exposes more of the natural tooth’s surface. Below are two reasons patients may need the procedure:
- Aesthetic improvements: The goal of the procedure for many patients is to make the teeth and gums more proportional. In this case, the oral surgeon will likely remove gum tissue from multiple teeth. This helps improve the appearance of the patient’s gumline and smile.
- Tooth restoration: Teeth which are broken or decayed below the gumline are incredibly difficult to repair or treat. Crown lengthening exposes the tooth and makes it possible to restore the natural tooth. The procedure effectively allows the oral surgeon to access and treat the damaged tooth. Crown lengthening can also help ensure that there is enough tooth available if a new crown is being attached.
Cost
There are numerous factors which can impact the cost for crown lengthening. When estimating the cost, one important consideration is the number of teeth which are being treated. Additional teeth which require crown lengthening results in the procedure being more expensive.
The procedure costs about $50-$350 per tooth for the removal of excess gum tissue. When the procedure involves multiple teeth, it can cost $1,000 or more. When a single tooth requires crown lengthening, it is common for the adjacent teeth to also require some slight gum reshaping. This helps ensure an even gumline which is symmetrical.
Dental insurance may cover a portion of the costs associated with the procedure, but this will vary. The purpose of the surgery greatly impacts if insurance provides any coverage. In cases where the procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, it likely has limited coverage or is not covered at all. When the procedure is used to restore a decayed or damaged tooth, dental insurance may help provide coverage.
Recovery
It is common for patients to experience some minor pain and swelling immediately following the procedure. The dental professional may suggest the use of over the counter pain medication and ice to help alleviate and manage this initial pain and swelling. Within a week to ten days after crown lengthening, the stitches will be removed. It takes an average of three months for the gums to fully heal. The team will provide patients with specific aftercare instructions which should be closely followed to help ensure a fast recovery.
Contact the office today to discuss if you may be a good candidate for crown lengthening. The team can meet with you and discuss any questions and provide an estimated cost for treatment based on your individual case.