How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?

 Gum overgrowth can make you feel self-conscious about your smile. Aside from genetics, a gummy smile can be a reaction to medications or a result of a medical condition. Excessive gum tissue can be removed with gum contouring, done in either your dentist’s office or with a periodontist. Gum recession can also be treated using cary gum contouring.

Gum contouring is a simple procedure using a laser to remove excess gum tissue or to rid infection, in the case of recession. Contouring will align your gums and expose more tooth structures where needed.

Cost Of Gum Contouring

The fee for gum contouring varies, depending on the extent of tissue and work that needs to be done and the local rates for your area. The fee for contouring of one tooth can range from $50 to $350; the rate of contouring all of the front teeth ranges from $100 to $3,000. Unless deemed medically necessary by your physician, gum contouring is considered a cosmetic procedure and will likely not be covered by your dental insurance.

What Is Involved?

The anesthetic will be administered to the area so you will be numb for the procedure and will not feel anything. Your dentist or periodontist will use a laser or electrocautery to remove excessive gum tissue and expose more tooth surfaces. The procedure takes about 60 minutes, depending on the amount of work to be done. In extreme cases of crown lengthening, the bone may be removed as well and would add to the surgery time frame, making it about two hours, depending on how many teeth are involved. What to expect will be reviewed with you before your surgery date.

Recovery time can be from one week to ten days for simple gum contouring and up to six weeks if the bone structure was removed for crown lengthening.

Possible Additional Costs

Gum contouring may be done to prepare your teeth for bonding, crowns, or veneers. The fees associated with receiving bonding can run between $150 and $1,000 per tooth. Crowns and veneers may range from $500 to $2000 per tooth.

Discounts

You may be able to find a dental school or continuing education seminar that would offer a significantly lower price. A quick internet search will show you any schools in your area.

Shopping For Gum Contouring

Speak with your dentist to find out if they provide gum contouring. If they do not, they will be able to give you a list of recommendations for you to research. It is important to take the time to determine which provider will be right for you. You should be comfortable with anyone that provides any treatment. Many offices also have in-house financing options to ease the burden of cost.

What should you ask your dentist before having gum contouring treatment?

Are there alternative treatments?

Your dentist should advise you of alternative treatment options and the advantages/disadvantages of each so that you are able to make an informed decision before agreeing to undergo gum contouring.

The costs of Gum Contouring treatment

You should make sure that your dentist has advised you of the proposed complexity and the exact costs involved. 

Your dentist should also advise you whether they expect the results to be permanent.

Your dentist’s skill and experience

The aesthetic outcome can be highly dependent on operator skill, so it is essential you check that your dentist has the appropriate skill and experience to carry out gum contouring.

Your suitability for Gum Contouring

In cases where the overgrowth or pigmentation is due to your medication, your dentist should consult with your medical doctor for advice on whether gum contouring is right for you and your risk of the overgrowth returning after treatment.