A gum lift, known clinically as a gingivectomy or gum contouring, is a procedure designed to reshape the gumline to improve the appearance of the teeth and smile. This treatment surgically removes excess or overgrown gum tissue, often to address a “gummy smile” where teeth appear short or unevenly covered by the gingiva. The price for this procedure can vary widely, typically ranging between $50 and $400 per tooth for minor recontouring, or up to $3,000 or more for comprehensive work across an entire arch.
Understanding the Gum Lift Procedure
The main goal of a gum lift is to establish a more balanced proportion between the teeth and the surrounding soft tissue. This is often recommended when genetics, certain medications, or underlying health conditions cause the gums to cover too much of the tooth surface. The procedure involves the precise removal of a small amount of gum tissue, which instantly makes the teeth appear longer and the smile more symmetrical.
Dentists and periodontists can perform this tissue removal using two primary techniques: a traditional scalpel or a soft-tissue laser. The use of a laser has become increasingly common because it cauterizes the tissue as it cuts, which minimizes bleeding, reduces the risk of infection, and often results in a faster healing period. Regardless of the tool used, the procedure is typically completed in a single office visit and is performed under local anesthesia to ensure patient comfort.
Average Cost Ranges for Gum Lift
The cost depends on the extent of the work required. For simple, isolated cosmetic recontouring around one to three teeth, the out-of-pocket cost generally falls between $50 and $400 per tooth, typically correcting minor unevenness in the gumline.
When the treatment involves reshaping the gums across the entire front section of the mouth, the total expense increases significantly. Comprehensive cosmetic gum lifts for the entire visible smile can range from $1,000 to $3,000 or more, especially if the procedure is complex. The higher end of this range often includes cases that require crown lengthening, which involves removing a small amount of underlying bone tissue for a more permanent result.
The technology employed also introduces a cost difference, with laser-based gum lifts typically costing slightly more than those performed with a traditional scalpel. While the laser technique offers benefits like greater precision and reduced recovery time, this advanced equipment and specialized training can add to the final bill. Patients should always obtain a detailed quote that specifies whether the fee covers one tooth, a group of teeth, or an entire area of the mouth.
Key Factors That Influence Pricing
Several specific variables determine where a patient’s final price will land. The geographic location of the dental practice is a major factor, with procedures in major metropolitan areas generally costing more than those in rural or suburban settings. This variation is largely due to the differences in local overhead and the general cost of living.
The expertise and specialization of the practitioner performing the procedure also influence the fee. A board-certified periodontist, who specializes in the gum and bone supporting the teeth, may charge a higher rate than a general dentist, reflecting their advanced training and experience. A periodontist’s fee often accounts for the additional skill required for complex cases, such as those that involve bone reshaping.
The choice of anesthesia and sedation can also affect the total cost. While local anesthesia to numb the gum tissue is standard and typically included in the procedure price, conscious sedation or intravenous (IV) sedation for more anxious patients will incur a separate, additional fee. Furthermore, if pre-operative requirements like extensive X-rays, diagnostic imaging, or deep dental cleaning are necessary to ensure the gums are healthy before the procedure, these services will be billed separately.
Insurance Coverage and Payment Options
For most patients, dental insurance will not cover the cost of a gum lift because it is classified as an elective cosmetic procedure. Insurance plans generally limit their coverage to treatments considered medically necessary for the maintenance of oral health. Therefore, a patient seeking a gum lift solely to improve the aesthetics of their smile will be responsible for the entire out-of-pocket expense.
There are exceptions where a gum lift, or gingivectomy, may receive partial or full insurance coverage. If the procedure is required to treat periodontal disease, such as reducing deep gum pockets to prevent further bone loss or infection, it is considered medically necessary and may be covered under the plan’s major services. Patients must confirm coverage with their provider and insurance company before treatment, as the final determination depends on the specific policy and the dentist’s documentation of medical necessity.
To manage the cost, many dental offices offer various payment solutions for cosmetic procedures. Common options include in-house payment plans, which allow the patient to pay the fee over a set number of months, or third-party dental credit cards. Some clinics may also offer a discount for paying the full cost of the procedure upfront in cash.