Crown lengthening is a common and frequent dental procedure that removes excess gum and sometimes bone tissue. The goal of the procedure is to simply expose more of the natural tooth. This treatment is also often used to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. A gummy smile is usually caused by genetics or specific prescription medications. Your gums will look oversized, and the teeth will seem smaller than normal. The teeth are most often the correct length, and they are simply covered with excess gum tissue. If a crown lengthening procedure is suggested by your dentist, you might have questions regarding the treatment cost. Some information regarding crown lengthening and an estimated cost is summarized below.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening starts with your dentist removing and reshaping some gum tissue. This exposes more of the natural tooth’s surface. Here are two primary reasons you might benefit from the procedure:
- Aesthetic Improvements- The objective of your crown lengthening procedure could be to make your teeth and gums proportionally balanced. In this situation, your dentist removes gum tissue from multiple teeth. This improves the appearance of both your gumline and your smile.
- Tooth Restoration- A tooth broken or decayed below your gumline is extremely difficult to repair or treat. Crown lengthening exposes more of the tooth and can make it possible to restore the natural tooth. The procedure successfully allows your dentist to now access and treat the damaged tooth. Crown lengthening also helps make sure that there is adequate tooth surface available if a new crown is being placed as the restoration.
Crown Lengthening Procedure Cost
There are several factors that can impact the cost of your crown lengthening. When estimating your personal cost, one primary consideration is the actual number of teeth being treated. Additional teeth requiring crown lengthening result in the procedure being more expensive.
The procedure quite often costs around $50 to $350 per tooth for the removal of the excess gum tissue. If the procedure is on multiple teeth, it can cost $1,000 or more. When only one tooth needs crown lengthening, it is common for the adjacent teeth to also receive minor gum reshaping. This helps make sure the gumline is even and symmetrical.
Dental insurance should cover a portion of the procedure costs, but it may vary. The purpose and objective of the procedure impact whether insurance provides coverage. If the goal of the procedure is for cosmetic reasons, it may be limited coverage or no coverage at all. If the crown lengthening is to restore a damaged tooth, your dental insurance should provide coverage.
Your Recovery
It is customary to experience some minor pain or swelling immediately following your procedure. Your dentist might recommend an over-the-counter pain medication and ice to help reduce and manage the initial discomfort and swelling. Within ten days following your crown lengthening, the stitches are removed. It takes about three months for your gums to completely heal. Your dental team provides you with personal aftercare instructions to help ensure your fast recovery.
Contact the dental office to discuss whether you might be a viable candidate for crown lengthening. Your dental team can perform an exam, discuss any questions, and provide an estimated cost for your crown lengthening treatment based on your individual case.
Related Article: Do I Need Crown Lengthening?