Gum Contouring Cost
Gum contouring, or gum reshaping, is a simple dental procedure to improve aesthetics when the soft tissue of your gums is proportionally out of balance with your teeth. Often called a gummy smile, when your lips naturally separate to create your smile, you see more gum than teeth. This can be a genetic issue or the result of a disease or even medication that has caused your gums to grow over your teeth. In most cases, this corrective procedure is cosmetic and may not be covered by your insurance.
Before we review the possible cost ranges for gum contouring, you need to appreciate the value of your smile. Your smile is a crucial and fundamental element of your mental health. Your smile is the foundation of your self-confidence and your self-esteem. Your smile affects your daily interactions both personally and professionally. Accept and understand the costs that can translate directly to improving your quality of life by appreciating the value of your smile.
A Definition of a Gummy Smile
During your smile, the amount of soft tissue visible is ideally around two to three millimeters. It is considered a gummy smile if your smile is dominated by more visible gum tissue, measuring around four millimeters. This imbalance will create an undesirable perception of your teeth being short and stubby.
The Gum Contouring Procedure
Your dentist or periodontist can easily perform this cosmetic procedure with one of two tools. They might use a traditional surgical scalpel, or they may have an innovative dental laser. In either situation, the gums to be addressed will be numbed first with a local anesthetic. After the anesthesia has begun to work, the dentist will simply create a nice, even gum line with either method. The laser provides an added benefit because it cauterizes the tissue when removed, which minimizes any blood loss. The scalpel will produce some minor bleeding until the tissue clots.
The Ranges in Cost of Gum Contouring
The gum contouring procedure has a significant range of anticipated costs. It might range anywhere from $50 to $350 per tooth. You could have five teeth involved, and each tooth might have a different cost. This range also reflects the region of the country. Dental costs are higher on both coasts than in the Midwest. The actual location in your mouth and the amount of tissue being removed will be crucial factors. A dental laser compared to a surgical scalpel will also increase the cost outcome. If both the time and effort become more extensive, involving more tissue removal, even some bone work on the roots, it can extend up to $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. At this point, the goal might be more medical than cosmetic, and your insurance will play a bigger role in reducing your expenses.
The Benefits of Gum Contouring
You will enjoy immediate results with the gum contouring treatment, making the effort worthwhile as you admire your improved smile. Sometimes the procedure can also be advantageous for gum disease and to correct the depth of any sagging pockets around certain teeth. It is also a perfect opportunity for you to revisit your at-home oral hygiene habits so you can maintain your healthy smile.