How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that exposes more of the tooth beneath the gum. Dental surgeons recontour the gum tissue, and even sometimes the bone, to expose the tooth’s surface for a crown. This is a fairly common procedure and only takes about an hour to complete.
When is it needed?
The most common purpose of crown lengthening is to fit a crown over the tooth. So what is a crown? A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over a natural tooth. This is done for multiple reasons, either for aesthetic or structural reasons. A crown is recommended by a dentist when a cavity or decay has damaged a large portion of the tooth, or due to a cracked tooth, enamel deterioration, or aesthetic improvement, like stains or gaps. The procedure is outpatient or ‘same-day,’ which means that the patient can go home right after. The time of the procedure depends on how many teeth are involved and how much tissue or bone needs to be removed. After the procedure, your anaesthesia will slowly wear off, and you will feel some pain. The dentist may prescribe you pain relievers or a mouth rinse to help with recovery, and you will likely be recommended to take Ibuprofen or Tylenol in intervals.
Cost Estimate:
The cost of a crown lengthening procedure depends on multiple factors, beginning with how many teeth are involved. In most cases, it will cost between $500-$2,000 per tooth. In many cases, if one tooth needs work, it is likely the teeth on both sides might require reshaping as well. Another factor that affects the cost is the extent of the procedure. Some procedures may only involve reshaping of the gums, while others might require reshaping of the tooth. The more advanced the procedure, the more costly it will be due to the time and skill necessary. Another common factor is the type of anaesthesia. Oftentimes, a crown lengthening procedure is done under local anaesthesia, but if the patient requires general anaesthesia, that will bump the cost. If you have dental insurance and need the procedure for tooth restoration, they may help you with all or a portion of the cost and come up with a payment plan. If the procedure is for cosmetic reasons, your insurance is likely to cover much less of the cost than if it is for dental health reasons. The price often includes the procedure as well as any follow-up care. It is important to ask your dentist what the full cost breakdown is so you are fully aware of the cost from beginning (X-Rays, consultations, etc.) to the end (post-operation care).
In summary, it is important to speak to your dentist about their recommended plan and get a very detailed cost estimate. It is necessary that you understand how the different factors can affect the cost to help you decide what is right for you, your oral health, and your budget. Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any further questions you may have.
Related Article: Do I Need Crown Lengthening?