How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?
Crown lengthening is a dental procedure that reshapes the gum tissue, and sometimes the underlying bone, to expose more of a tooth’s normally concealed surface. It’s used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes, whether you’re preparing for a crown or evening out a “gummy” smile.
In restorative dentistry, crown lengthening creates the space a dentist needs to properly fit a crown or filling, especially if decay or damage has reached below the gumline. Without enough visible tooth structure, a restoration might not be secure, and it becomes far more likely to fail prematurely.
While crown lengthening is an investment, it can be an essential step in preserving your dental health or achieving the smile you want. Understanding the factors that affect cost and how they relate to your specific case can help you plan both financially and logistically. With the right planning, you can make an informed decision that supports both your oral health and your confidence.
Why Costs Can Vary
Dental work is always a blend of skill, time, and tools. Crown lengthening is performed under local anesthesia and may require specialized equipment to ensure precision and comfort. The procedure can be completed in a single visit, but follow-up appointments are important to monitor healing.
A more involved surgery—for instance, one that requires intricate and delicate bone reshaping—naturally takes longer and demands more specialized expertise, which influences the price.
Even when the motivation for the procedure is purely aesthetic, the process and recovery are very similar to medically necessary crown lengthening. In terms of its cosmetic effects, the procedure can change the proportions of the teeth and gums to create a more balanced-looking smile.
There’s no universal cost for crown lengthening. Instead, several variables determine what you might pay:
- Complexity of the case: Simple cases involve reshaping the gum tissue around a single tooth. More complex ones might require adjusting the gums around multiple teeth or removing small amounts of bone to create the right contour.
- Number of teeth treated: Even if you’re only having work done on one tooth, nearby teeth may need adjustments for symmetry and proper healing.
- Geographic location: Dental fees vary by region. Urban areas with a high cost of living often have higher dental procedure fees than smaller towns or rural areas.
- Specialist vs. general dentist: Periodontists (gum specialists) may charge more than general dentists due to their advanced training.
- Insurance coverage: Some insurance plans help cover crown lengthening if it’s deemed medically necessary for a restoration. Cosmetic cases are usually not covered.
The best way to understand what you’ll pay is to schedule a consultation. During this visit, your dentist or periodontist will examine the treatment area, take any necessary X-rays, and create a treatment plan. Because these factors can vary so widely, most patients can expect the procedure to fall within a moderate to high three-figure or low four-figure range per tooth.
Your dentist will provide an estimate after evaluating your specific needs, breaking down the anticipated fees, and explaining how your insurance benefits might (or might not) apply.