A gum lift, also known as cosmetic gingivectomy or crown lengthening, is a dental procedure designed to reshape the gum line for aesthetic purposes. This procedure corrects a “gummy smile,” where excess gum tissue covers a large portion of the tooth crown, making teeth appear short or uneven. The results can dramatically improve smile symmetry, but the cost is not standardized and requires careful research due to significant variation in pricing.
Defining the Procedure and Standard Pricing
The gum lift procedure involves the precise removal of excess gingival tissue to expose more of the natural tooth structure. Performed under local anesthesia, the process permanently re-contours the gum line to create a balanced proportion between the teeth and gums. This is accomplished using a traditional scalpel or, increasingly, advanced soft-tissue lasers, which often result in faster healing times and less bleeding.
National average costs are typically calculated per tooth, providing a baseline for patients. For minor contouring, the price generally ranges from $200 to $400 for each tooth requiring treatment. If a patient requires a full arch or an entire smile line to be corrected, the comprehensive cost can range from $1,000 to $4,000.
Key Factors Driving Cost Variation
The final price paid for a gum lift varies widely based on the provider and the procedure’s complexity. A patient treated by a board-certified periodontist, a gum specialist, may incur higher fees than one treated by a general dentist, reflecting the specialist’s advanced training. Geographic location also significantly influences the cost, with practices in major metropolitan areas often charging more due to increased overhead.
The scope of the work is a primary variable, as the total price directly correlates with the number of teeth requiring re-contouring. Correcting a few uneven teeth is substantially less expensive than reshaping the entire visible gum line across the upper arch. The technology utilized is also a factor; laser technology offers precision but may come with a higher price tag than a traditional scalpel technique.
Hidden and Related Expenses
The core procedure fee is often only one component of the total financial outlay. Patients should budget for an initial consultation, which includes fees for necessary X-rays or detailed imaging to assess the underlying bone structure. These diagnostic fees can sometimes be waived if the patient proceeds with the treatment at the same office.
Post-operative care introduces further expenses, including prescription pain relievers or specialized antibacterial mouth rinses to manage recovery. While many practices include routine follow-up appointments in the initial quote, patients should confirm this detail to avoid unexpected charges. A gum lift is sometimes performed as a prerequisite for other restorative treatments, such as veneers or crowns. When combined, the overall cost can significantly increase, potentially ranging from $3,000 to $6,000 for the combined services.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
A primary financial consideration is the typical lack of coverage from standard dental insurance plans. Because the procedure is overwhelmingly performed for aesthetic reasons to correct a “gummy smile,” insurance providers classify it as cosmetic dentistry and generally deny claims. Coverage is usually only granted if the gum lift (medically coded as a gingivectomy) is deemed necessary to treat periodontal disease, an injury, or for crown lengthening required before a restorative procedure.
Given that most patients face substantial out-of-pocket costs, many dental offices offer alternative financing solutions. Clinics often provide in-house payment plans, allowing the patient to spread the cost over several months or years. Patients can also utilize specialized medical credit cards, such as CareCredit. Some patients may also find reduced rates through dental discount plans or at supervised dental school clinics.