How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?
In a crown lengthening procedure, a dentist removes excess gum tissue and may also modify the underlying bone. There are two big-picture reasons that people undergo crown lengthening: for aesthetics purposes, or for medical purposes. Many times, crown lengthenings are done for cosmetic reasons, with the goal of improving the appearance of the smile. In these cases, patients have excessive gum tissue that makes the ratio of gums to teeth look imbalanced, creating what’s known as a “gummy smile.” Crown lengthening rebalances the symmetry between teeth and gums by trimming away excess gum tissue around several teeth and modifying the appearance of the gum line. When crown lengthening procedures serve a medical purpose, they are performed to aid in repairing damaged or decayed teeth. For example, if an area of decay or fracture exists underneath the gums, it’s far more challenging to repair. Once more of the natural tooth is exposed, it becomes easier to restore and creates a more stable surface for restorations like dental crowns.
Whatever your reason is for considering a crown lengthening procedure, it’s helpful to have some understanding of the procedure itself and of its related, estimated costs. The basic steps of a crown lengthening treatment include an initial consultation, the removal of the excess tissue, and follow-up visits. During the consultation, the dentist assesses the oral health and examines the gums, using 3D imaging and x-rays as needed to determine the best approach to treatment. The crown lengthening itself is an outpatient procedure wherein the dentist removes excess gum tissue, and sometimes bone tissue, to expose a larger portion of the tooth structure. Once excess tissue is removed, the dentist resculpts the gum line and sutures the tissue in place. Patients receive specific instructions for follow-up care, including scheduled dental visits to ensure effective healing. If the crown lengthening was performed to enhance the placement of a dental crown, the crown is placed once the gums have healed.
The price of crown lengthening treatment is based on the number of teeth affected, the severity of the concern, and the expertise of the dental team. In general, the procedure averages around $300-$500 per tooth, with an entire row of teeth ranging from $2,000-$3,000. When there is only one tooth affected, dentists often make minor adjustments to the gum tissue on the adjacent teeth, helping to even out the entire gum line. For a more accurate, specific cost estimate, consult with your dentist or periodontist. While dental insurance may cover the costs of crown lengthening procedures that serve a medical purpose, insurance plans are less likely to cover cosmetic procedures, so be sure to check with your insurance plan and consult about financing options with your dentist, if needed. No matter the reason for crown lengthening, the procedure confers several benefits, enhancing the outcome of dental restorations like bridges and crowns while improving access to oral hygiene and improving the appearance of the smile. Crown lengthening helps dentists access obscured areas of damage to allow for comprehensive repairs, contributing to the health of the teeth and gums and reducing the severity of periodontal disease. Following recommended aftercare steps and maintaining effective oral hygiene helps these long-term benefits continue, facilitating a lifetime full of happy, healthy smiles.