Crown lengthening is a common dental procedure involving the reshaping of gum tissue and, sometimes, the underlying bone structure. This minor surgery exposes more of a tooth’s surface for restorative or aesthetic purposes. Understanding the financial commitment is a primary concern for patients. This article focuses on the expected costs, the factors that cause price variations, and the role of dental insurance coverage.
Defining the Crown Lengthening Procedure
Crown lengthening is designed to increase the visible length of a tooth. The process involves a periodontist or general dentist adjusting the gum line, often by removing soft tissue. In complex cases, the procedure includes osseous surgery, which means reshaping or removing a small amount of alveolar bone surrounding the tooth root to establish the necessary biological distance.
The treatment is performed for two distinct reasons. Functional crown lengthening is medically necessary, required to expose enough healthy tooth structure to support a dental restoration, such as a crown or large filling, especially if the tooth has fractured or decayed below the gum line. Aesthetic or cosmetic crown lengthening corrects a “gummy smile,” where excess gum tissue makes the teeth appear short. This distinction significantly impacts insurance coverage.
Typical Price Range for Crown Lengthening
The cost of crown lengthening varies significantly, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per tooth. For simple cases involving only gum tissue removal, the cost generally falls between $800 and $2,000 per tooth.
When the procedure requires the removal or reshaping of the underlying jawbone in addition to soft tissue, the complexity increases, leading to a higher price point. These more involved procedures often range from $2,000 to $3,000 per tooth. Since the procedure is often performed on multiple adjacent teeth to ensure a uniform gum line, the total cost for a quadrant or a full aesthetic arch can reach $1,000 to $4,000 or more. The final price depends on the extent of the work and whether it is billed per tooth or as a comprehensive procedure.
Variables That Influence the Final Cost
Several variables contribute to the wide price range quoted for crown lengthening. Geographic location is a major factor, with costs often substantially higher in major metropolitan areas compared to rural regions due to operating expenses. The type of dental professional performing the surgery also affects the fee; a board-certified periodontist may charge a higher fee than a general dentist.
The scope and technical complexity of the case are primary price determinants. Treating multiple teeth increases the total expense compared to treating a single tooth. A procedure requiring only soft tissue removal (gingivectomy) is less expensive than one that necessitates bone contouring (ostectomy). Finally, the quoted price often does not include associated fees, such as the initial consultation, diagnostic X-rays or 3D scans, and required post-operative follow-up visits.
Insurance Coverage and Patient Financial Responsibility
Dental insurance coverage for crown lengthening is based almost entirely on whether the procedure is deemed functional or cosmetic. When performed for a medical reason, such as exposing a fracture or decay to allow for proper restoration, it is often classified as a major service and may be partially covered. Functional necessity determines the likelihood of coverage, not the procedure type itself.
Conversely, crown lengthening performed solely for aesthetic improvement, such as treating a gummy smile, is considered elective and is rarely covered by standard dental insurance plans. Even when coverage is provided for a functional procedure, patients should expect to pay a significant portion of the cost due to deductibles, co-payments, and annual maximums. Patients are advised to obtain a pre-authorization from their insurance provider before treatment to understand their out-of-pocket expenses clearly. For non-covered costs, alternative payment methods like health savings accounts (HSAs), flexible spending accounts (FSAs), or in-office payment plans can help manage the financial burden.