Average Cost of a Gingivectomy?
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure where the gingiva or gum tissue is removed. Dentists can also use a gingivectomy to treat conditions such as gum disease, however, extra gum tissue can also be removed to enhance the patient’s smile for cosmetic reasons.
The following article will review common questions regarding the procedure and the average cost for a gingivectomy.
Gingivectomy Candidates
Dental professionals may suggest a patient undergo a gingivectomy if they have gum recession due to one or more of the following issues:
- Natural aging
- Gum disease
- Bacterial infection
- Injury or trauma to the gums
Gum Disease
When a patient has gum disease, their dentist may suggest the procedure to prevent additional gum damage. The gingivectomy also allows the dentist the ability to clean the teeth more effectively.
With gum disease, there are often openings near the bottom area of the teeth. These openings can allow for products such as plaque, bacterial and tartar or calculus to build up over time. When these products accumulate, it can cause additional damage. In cases where the dentist identifies gum disease or infection during a routine appointment, they may recommend this procedure to prevent the issue from progressing.
Elective Gingivectomy
In some cases, patients may elect to have a gingivectomy for cosmetic reasons. While an elective gingivectomy likely won’t be covered by insurance, it can certainly help improve the appearance of a “gummy” smile through the removal of excess gum tissue. Patients who are interested in an elective gingivectomy for cosmetic purposes should follow up with their dentist to discuss the benefits and challenges associated with the procedure.
On average, a gingivectomy procedure take about 30-60 minutes. The duration of the procedure can vary based on the amount of gum tissue which is being removed. When the procedure is relatively minor and affects a single tooth or a few teeth, it can typically be completed in one appointment. More severe gum removal or reshaping, however, will likely require multiple visits. In many cases, the dentist will wait for one area to completely heal prior to treating the next area.
Below is a summary of the gingivectomy procedure:
- Local anesthetic is injected into the gums which numbs the area being treated
- A laser tool or scalpel is used to remove gum tissue
- Dentists use a suction tool in the mouth to ensure excess saliva is removed
- Following the removal of tissue, the dentist typically uses a laser tool to vaporize the remaining tissue and sculpt the gumline into the desired shape
- A soft putty substance and bandages will be placed over the treated area to protect the gums during the healing process
Cost
The cost for a gingivectomy is typically about $200-400 per tooth. In some cases, the dentist may offer a discount for treating multiple teeth in a single session. Insurance often covers the cost of a gingivectomy when it is used to treat an injury or for patients with gum disease. The cost of the procedure can vary based on the amount of work and the number of sessions required.