Gum Contouring Cost
Genetics, certain medical conditions, and some medications, can all cause a person’s gums to grow over their teeth resulting in a “gummy” smile that makes the teeth appear small, misshaped, or uneven. Gum contouring (gingivectomy), sometimes referred to as a gum lift, is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes excess or damaged gum tissue. Often, the contouring is followed by a gingivoplasty (crown lengthening) which is a procedure designed to shape the remaining gum tissue to create a better, more natural fit around the teeth. Patients considering gum contouring, may be curious about the cost associated with the procedure.
Gum Contouring Procedure and Related Costs
Gum contouring procedures are performed by both periodontists and dentists. Prior to the procedure, the doctor may use a pen to mark the area so that patients can get an idea as to how much tissue will be removed and what the results will look like. The procedure then begins with the doctor numbing the gums with a local anesthetic to minimize any pain during surgery. Using scalpels, lasers, or radiosurgery, the doctor will then cut away any excess gum and reshape the remaining tissue. When a more extensive crown lengthening is needed, bone at the tooth root will also be removed by the doctor to optimize long-term results.
The cost of a gum contouring procedure is largely reliant on the extent of work needed. Some patients will require an extensive amount of gum tissue to be removed or reshaped whereas other patients, will require less. Typically, removing and shaping the gum tissue around a single tooth can cost between $50 to $350. Because gum damage or overgrowth is generally not limited to a single tooth, the total contouring cost might be several times higher. Should crown lengthening also be needed to remove gum and bone tissue from the visible front teeth, costs can be $1,000 to $3,000 or more.
In addition to the financial cost associated with the procedure, there is a time cost involved as well. Usually a gum contouring procedure can be completed in one appointment. If the amount of gum tissue removed is small, the procedure can take 15 to 30 minutes and require a healing time of between three days to three weeks. Crown lengthening is more extensive and typically takes one to two hours with another four to six weeks needed to fully heal.
Factors that Influence Cost
As previously mentioned, the extent of gum contouring needed will directly contribute to the overall cost of the procedure but there are several other factors that influence cost incurred by the patient. Insurance coverage is one such factor. Since most gum contouring procedures are considered elective, many dental insurance carriers will not cover the cost. As such, patients will be out of pocket for a portion, if not all, of the procedure’s cost. Insurance coverage can also vary based on whether the doctor uses lasers or scalpels in the treatment.
Who performs the procedure and the technique they use, can also impact cost. Certain dental schools or clinics may offer reduced rates when services are performed by supervised students whereas a more experienced doctor, may charge a higher rate for their expertise. If the doctor uses lasers for the procedure, which require more training and experience, cost will be higher than doctors that use traditional scalpels.
More on Gum Contouring : Healing After Gum Contouring