Average Cost of a Gingivectomy
Patients who suffer from a gummy smile have excessive gum tissue covering the surface of their teeth, giving them a small, boxy appearance. A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure used to expose more tooth surface and improve oral health. Gingivectomy is also used to treat periodontal disease and clinical crown lengthening, which is performed in anticipation of a dental crown or veneer to provide more tooth surface for the restoration to adhere to.
Average Cost of a Gingivectomy
The total cost of a gingivectomy will depend on how extensive the treatment is. The out-of-pocket cost may range from $200-$400 per tooth and if you have dental insurance, it is important to contact your insurance provider to understand your benefits. If treatment is deemed medically necessary due to periodontal disease or injury to the mouth, it may be covered by your dental insurance. Patients who have treatment to correct a gummy smile may not be eligible for dental benefits since treatment is considered cosmetic.
Cost of treatment may also be affected by the method your doctor uses. A gingivectomy using a laser is more common because they are more cost-effective, easier to use, and have better results. Lasers also allow for faster healing because the remaining tissue is cauterized as the excess is removed. These benefits often make laser treatment more expensive than traditional methods using a scalpel because a laser requires more training by the provider and some insurance plans will not cover laser treatments.
Some offices offer in-house payment plans to ease the out-of-pocket cost to their patients. Others may offer financing through a third party patient payment company that can greatly reduce the immediate impact on your wallet. Another way to reduce the cost of treatment is to visit a dental school. Treatment is provided at a much lower rate for patients who are willing to have a student perform their surgery. Students are supervised by a qualified doctor and using a dental school can be a great way to minimize cost.
Gingivectomy Procedure
A gingivectomy is performed under local anesthesia which is administered via injection to the area being treated to ensure that the gums are numb and the patient is comfortable during the procedure. If your doctor uses a scalpel, they will gently cut away the excess tissue and reshape the gum line. When a laser is used, the tissue is simultaneously trimmed and cauterized and can greatly decrease healing time.
Sometimes it is necessary to reshape the underlying bone structure which then requires an incision and sutures. If that is not necessary, a wound dressing is applied to the site to keep it protected as it begins to heal.
Depending on the number of teeth being treated, the procedure takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
As with any procedure, it is important to understand not only your treatment options but your insurance benefits and if payment is due at the time of service. Your doctor will provide a treatment plan with estimated fees for you to review before you schedule your surgery.