Gum Contouring Cost
Gum contouring is a dental procedure in which a dental professional reshapes the gumline, sculpting the tissue with a scalpel or a laser. This procedure is most often a cosmetic one, performed to improve the appearance of the gumline, though it can also be used as part of a comprehensive treatment for periodontal disease. As a cosmetic procedure, gum contouring can restore an uneven or asymmetrical gumline. It can also be used to remove and reshape excessive gum tissue, which can be caused by genetics, disease, medical reactions, and other issues. Commonly called a “gummy smile,” this excessive gum tissue can make the teeth appear unnaturally small as gum tissue grows over the teeth; this tissue is carefully excised and reshaped to bring balance and symmetry to the smile.
Typically, the cost of gum contouring ranges widely, by quadrant. This cost is affected by the extent of contouring that is needed, the expertise of the dentist, and the geographical location of the dental practice. Of course, issues that affect the gums are rarely isolated to a single tooth, which means the total cost of the procedure is compounded as more teeth require treatment. Because gum contouring is often an elective procedure that serves solely cosmetic purposes, it’s not typically covered by dental insurance plans. In some cases, gum contouring follows periodontal treatments like pocket reduction or gum grafts, serving the medical purpose of helping protect the tooth roots and prevent the damage of progressive gum disease; in these cases, dental insurance might cover at least a portion of treatment.
Another factor that affects the cost of gum contouring is its level of complexity or involvement. The procedure is performed by a dentist or periodontist, depending on its purpose and goals. To begin, the dentist numbs the area with an injected anesthetic, then uses scalpels or lasers to excise excess tissue and reshape the gumline. In more comprehensive crown-lengthening surgeries, the dentist might also remove a small amount of bone near the root of the tooth, ensuring optimal results. Most gum contouring procedures are completed in a single appointment. When only a small amount of gum tissue is being removed or reshaped, the procedure could be as brief as 30-60 minutes, while more involved procedures tend to take more than an hour or two. Healing from these basic gum contouring procedures usually takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the extent of the surgery.
Gum contouring is designed to be a permanent solution to a potentially embarrassing issue: an unattractive smile. As such, the procedure is often accompanied by other cosmetic dental treatments, including dental veneers, bonding, or crowns, all of which aim to improve the appearance and symmetry of the teeth. These treatments range in cost from $100 to $1,000 per tooth for bonding; $800 to $1,600 per tooth for veneers; and $800 to $3,000 for crowns. In many cases, gum contouring is included in the overall cost of these treatments, as the gum often needs to be reshaped or modified after the tooth itself is reshaped or restored.
If you’re considering gum contouring for cosmetic reasons and cost is an issue for you, it’s possible that a dental school in your area will offer the procedure, as well as other dental procedures, at a reduced rate, allowing advanced dental students to perform the procedures under clinical observation. Because these cosmetic dental procedures are rarely covered by insurance, it’s also likely that the dental practice you’re working with offers some type of financing options, like discounts for paying in full, payment plans, or partnering with third-party lenders. Ask your dentist for information about gum contouring and its costs, and remember that it’s impossible to put a price tag on a confident, symmetrical smile.
Related Article: Healing After Gum Contouring