There are a few different factors that contribute to the cost of any dental procedure, including crown lengthening. The most significant variant in the case of crown lengthening is the number of teeth that will be treated and the complexity of treatment. While every patient’s case is different and cost is affected by multiple factors, simpler procedures involving only the gum tissue tend to range in price from $800 to $2,000 per tooth, and tissues that involve modifying bone average $2,000 to $3,000 per tooth. These costs cover the procedure, but they may not cover consultations, x-rays, or the placement of crowns or other restorations after crown lengthening. Make sure you clarify every step of your treatment plan with your dentist so you know what to expect when you receive your bill for crown lengthening.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Crown Lengthening?
- Number of teeth being treated
- Overall complexity of the procedure
- Type of anesthesia being used
- Location of the dental practice
- Patient insurance
Of course, it makes sense that treating more teeth will cost more, and it also makes sense that more complicated procedures cost more. There is some nuance to the idea that teeth are treated individually, too, as the gum lines on either side of the treated tooth might require a minor adjustment to ensure continuity across the entire gum line. Some patients require the removal of a greater amount of gum tissue, and some require the removal of bone; these procedures are more complex and therefore more costly.
Most patients choose local anesthesia only for crown lengthening procedures, which incurs a minimal cost. When patients experience dental anxiety or are otherwise profoundly uncomfortable during dental treatments, sedation anesthesia might be used in combination with local methods, adding to the total cost of treatment. The location of the dental practice factors into the overall cost of crown lengthening as well, with treatment costs corresponding to the cost of living in most cases. This means that it usually costs more to get dental treatments in big cities or wealthy areas than it does in rural or poor areas.
It’s also usually more affordable to use the services of area dental colleges, where possible, which provide advanced dental students with clinical practice under the observation of senior dental faculty. When crown lengthening is considered a medical necessity, as it is when done in preparation for a dental restoration, it may be partly or entirely covered by dental insurance. When the procedure is strictly cosmetic, however, as is the case with the excess gum tissue that characterizes a gummy smile, coverage is highly unlikely, so make sure to work closely with your dentist and your insurance provider as you plan and budget for your own crown lengthening procedure.
While it may cost a bit, the benefits of crown lengthening are multiple, whether it’s done for cosmetic reasons or functional ones, as it helps improve oral hygiene by broadening access during brushing and flossing, no matter why it’s done. Regardless of the reason, anything that makes a person more likely to smile can be considered a priceless thing.
Related Article: Do I Need Crown Lengthening?