How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?
Crown lengthening is a specialized dental procedure that involves reshaping gum tissue (and sometimes bone) to reveal more of a tooth’s surface. Dentists recommend it for a variety of reasons: to make room for a crown, to repair a broken or decayed tooth near the gumline, or to improve the balance of your smile if excess gum tissue shows when you grin.
For many patients, the first and most pressing practical question about the procedure is its cost. The total will likely depend on several factors, especially including the complexity of your case and the pricing trends in the regional market that will provide the service. Understanding these factors before you commit can help you plan financially and avoid unpleasant surprises.
The Typical Price Range
On average, crown lengthening can range anywhere from about $300 to $550 per tooth for a straightforward case involving only gum tissue. This figure reflects simpler procedures that require minimal surgical time and no bone removal. However, in certain regions, especially major cities or areas with higher living costs, prices may be higher.
If your dentist or periodontist needs to remove or reshape bone to properly expose the tooth, costs increase significantly. In those situations, the procedure can cost thousands of dollars. For patients who require multiple teeth treated at once, the total cost can climb quickly. For this reason, it’s crucial to get quotes and consultations from trustworthy professionals.
Factors Driving Price
Several key factors influence how much you will ultimately pay for crown lengthening:
- Number of teeth treated: One tooth is obviously less costly than several, but keep in mind that treating multiple teeth in the same area may lower the per-tooth rate.
- Complexity of the case: If your dentist needs to reshape underlying bone or work around existing restorations, the procedure will take longer and cost more.
- Location: Dental fees vary widely from region to region. Urban practices in high-cost areas tend to charge more than rural offices.
- Specialist vs. general dentist: Periodontists (gum specialists) often charge higher fees than general dentists, reflecting their advanced training and expertise.
- Additional costs: Diagnostic X-rays, consultations, temporary crowns, and follow-up visits may be billed separately.
- Insurance coverage: If the procedure is required to preserve a tooth or allow for a necessary restoration, insurance may cover part of the cost. Purely cosmetic cases are rarely covered.
Because the range is so broad, the more detailed an estimate you can get from your provider, the better equipped you will be to navigate the procedure. Ask if the quote includes all related services, from initial evaluation to final follow-up.
If you have dental insurance, request a pre-treatment estimate from your insurer to see what portion they will pay. This can be especially useful for patients planning more than one procedure.
While crown lengthening represents a financial investment, it often prevents larger, more expensive dental problems in the future. When you understand what drives the cost and you’ve planned for it in advance, crown lengthening is less of an intimidating expense and more of a well-considered step toward a healthier mouth.