Gum Contouring Cost?
Gum contouring or gum reshaping is a simple procedure to correct when the soft tissue of your gums is proportionally out of balance with your teeth. Often referred to as a gummy smile, when your lips naturally separate to form your smile, you see more gum than teeth. This might be a genetic issue or the result of a disease or medication that caused the gums to grow over the teeth. In most situations, this corrective procedure is cosmetic and might not be covered by your insurance.
Before we get into 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 self-esteem. Your smile will affect your daily interactions both personally and professionally. Address the costs that translate directly to improving your quality of life, and try to put value on your smile.
A Definition of a Gummy Smile
During your smile, the natural amount of soft tissue visible is supposed to be usually around two to three millimeters. It will be considered a gummy smile when your smile is dominated by more gum tissue, measuring around four millimeters. This imbalance can create an undesirable perception of your teeth being short and stubby.
The Gum Contouring Procedure
Your dentist or periodontist can perform this cosmetic procedure with one of two tools. They may use a traditional surgical scalpel, or they could have an innovative dental laser. In either case, your gums will be numbed first with a local anesthetic. Once this has begun to work, the dentist will simply create a nice, even gum line with either method. The laser is quite beneficial because it cauterizes the tissue upon removal, which minimizes any blood loss. The scalpel will have some minor bleeding until the tissue clots.
The Ranges in Cost of Gum Contouring
The procedure has a wide range of anticipated costs. It may range anywhere from $50 to $350 per tooth. You might have five teeth involved, and each tooth could have a different cost. This range also reflects the region of the country as well. Both coasts are usually more expensive than the Midwest. The actual location of the teeth involved in your mouth and the amount of tissue being removed will be crucial factors. A dental laser, compared to a surgical scalpel, will also affect the cost outcome. If both the time and effort become more extensive, involving more tissue removal, even some bone work on the roots, it might extend up to $1,000 to $3,000 per tooth. At that point, the objective may 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 treatment, making the effort worthwhile as you admire your improved smile. Sometimes the procedure can be advantageous for gum disease and to correct the depth of the pockets around certain teeth. It is also the perfect opportunity for you to revisit your at-home oral hygiene habits to maintain a good, healthy smile.