How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?
Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure that removes excess gum and bone tissue. The objective of the procedure is to expose more surface area of the natural tooth. This treatment is also used to improve the appearance of a gummy smile. A gummy smile is most often caused by genetics or certain prescription medications. It makes the gums look oversized and the teeth appear smaller than normal. The teeth are usually the correct length, and they are just covered with excess gum tissue. When the crown lengthening procedure is recommended by your dentist, you may have questions about how much the treatment costs. That information regarding crown lengthening and the estimated cost is summarized below.
The Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening begins with your dentist removing and reshaping the gum tissue. This will expose more of the natural tooth’s surface. Here are two reasons you might need the procedure:
- Aesthetic Improvements- The goal of your crown lengthening procedure may be to make your teeth and gums more proportionally balanced. In this case, your dentist will remove gum tissue from multiple teeth. This will help improve the appearance of your gumline and your smile.
- Tooth Restoration- A tooth that is broken or decayed below the gumline is incredibly difficult to repair or treat. Crown lengthening will expose the tooth and make it possible to then restore the natural tooth. The procedure effectively allows your dentist to access and treat the damaged tooth. Crown lengthening will also help ensure that there is adequate tooth surface available if a new crown is being attached.
Crown Lengthening Procedure Cost
There are a variety of factors that can easily impact the cost of crown lengthening. When estimating your cost, one primary consideration is the total number of teeth that are being treated. Additional teeth that require crown lengthening will result in the procedure being more expensive.
The procedure usually costs around $50 to $350 per tooth for the removal of excess gum tissue. If the procedure includes multiple teeth, it can cost $1,000 or more. When a single tooth needs crown lengthening, it is quite common for the adjacent teeth to also require some minor gum reshaping. This will help ensure an even gumline which is symmetrical.
Dental insurance might cover a portion of the costs for the procedure, but this can vary. The purpose of the procedure influences whether insurance provides any coverage. If the procedure is being performed for cosmetic reasons, it has limited coverage or even not covered at all. If the procedure is to restore a decayed or damaged tooth, your dental insurance should help provide coverage.
Your Recovery
It is common for you to experience some minor pain or swelling immediately after the procedure. Your dentist may recommend an over-the-counter pain medication and ice to help alleviate and manage the initial pain and swelling. Within ten days after your crown lengthening, any stitches will be removed. It will take around three months for your gums to fully heal. Your dental team will provide you with specific aftercare instructions, which you should follow 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.
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