How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?

One treatment option for periodontal disease and gum recession is gum contouring. Gum contouring is also used to correct an uneven gum line or a gummy smile. It is a simple procedure that your Dentist or Periodontist can complete in-office. Medications, genetics or simply poor oral hygiene can all lead to gum issues. Here, we will review the cost of gum contouring treatment.

Gum Contouring Procedure

When you are receiving gum contouring, your attending doctor will numb the area so that you do not feel the treatment at all. Excess tissue is removed from a gummy smile to expose more tooth structure so that more teeth show when you smile! Likewise, the tissue is removed to make a gum line even across all your teeth. While a scalpel may be used to contour your gums, it is more likely that they will have a soft tissue laser in their office to perform this procedure. The procedure takes from about 15 to 30 minutes unless your case is more extensive but your doctor will be able to give you a more accurate estimate of the time and cost of your surgery.

Recovery will take up to ten days but the more you rest and allow your mouth and body to heal, the easier your recovery will be. Your doctor will give you a list of pre-op and post-op instructions including what foods to avoid while you heal. It is very important to follow your directions to heal quickly and prevent infection.

Cost of Gum Contouring

The overall cost of your treatment will, of course, depend on the extent of the work to be done. You can expect to pay from $50 to $350 per tooth, the cost for all anterior teeth ranging from $1000 to $3000. Your doctor will be able to provide a detailed treatment plan to give you a better idea of your estimated cost so that you are well prepared.

Gum contouring is unlikely to be covered by dental insurance unless it is deemed medically necessary, then insurance may cover some of the cost.

Additional Costs to Expect with Gum Contouring

Gum contouring can often be the first step to more extensive treatment which may involve dental bonding, crowns, or veneers. Bonding can tack on another $150 to $750 per tooth; crowns and veneers can add $500 to $2000 per tooth.

Financing and Possible Discounts

If you have been advised to receive gum contouring treatment but do not feel that you can afford it, you may consider looking into using a dental school or a continuing education program to lessen the cost. Providers at dental schools are supervised by trained dental professionals and the lower cost can be significant.

Your Dentist can help you determine what other options may be available to you. If gum contouring is the best path of treatment for you, they may offer in house financing to help ease any financial burden.  Set up a consultation to decide what is best for you so that you can achieve a smile you love.

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