While there are some different reasons that a person might undergo crown lengthening surgery, the ultimate goal of the procedure is the same: to increase the amount of visible tooth while reducing and redesigning the gum tissue. This might be done for cosmetic reasons, modifying excessive gum tissue that makes the teeth appear unnaturally short, or to properly prepare a tooth to effectively support a dental crown. If needed, the procedure may also involve reshaping or otherwise modifying the underlying bone to help keep the gums in place. If your dentist suggests that a crown lengthening procedure might be necessary to accommodate a restorative dental crown, or if you’re bothered by what you perceive to be an excessively gummy smile or short-looking teeth, it’s worth it to research the ins and outs of crown lengthening treatment, including possible costs.
As with any medical or dental procedure, there are a few different factors that contribute to the cost of crown lengthening. The most influential factor is the number of teeth involved in the procedure: the more teeth involved, the more expensive the procedure. The general price range for excising excess gum tissue around a single tooth is around $100-$300 per tooth. If the gums around one tooth are being reshaped, the dentist will also modify the gums on the adjacent teeth, possibly only slightly, so that the gum line looks even once everything has healed. When patients seek to adjust their entire gum line with a gingivectomy, the cost is often in the $1000 range, if not more. When crown lengthening is performed solely for cosmetic reasons, it may not be covered by insurance, but crown lengthening that aims to repair a damaged or excessively decayed tooth is likely to be covered. It’s always a good idea to review your coverage with your insurance provider and your dental team as you plan any dental treatment. If you don’t have dental insurance or if you’re planning your crown lengthening for aesthetic purposes, talk with your dentist about possible financing or payment plans to make the cost more approachable.
Once you’ve invested in your crown lengthening, the best way to ensure your investment is with thorough, effective oral hygiene. While you recover from surgery, make sure to avoid the surgical site while brushing and flossing, instead gently rinsing the area per instructions from your periodontist; a water flosser can be an excellent tool for this. Once the initial healing phase has passed and you have the go-ahead from your dentist, resume gentle brushing at least twice daily with a soft-bristled brush and fluoride toothpaste, and floss or otherwise clean between your teeth once a day, at a minimum. Your periodontist will remove your stitches after about a week, but the gums won’t completely heal for a few months. It’s important to brush and floss gently yet thoroughly at all times, but it’s especially important during this crucial period. Establishing and maintaining solid oral hygiene habits, along with visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings, will help your crown lengthening procedure provide a lifetime of returns on your investment in the form of sturdy, useful teeth and healthy, satisfied smiles.
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