How Much Does Gum Contouring Cost?

Maybe you’ve never thought about it before, but the appearance of the gums can dramatically influence the overall appearance of the smile. For some individuals, they have never liked the look of their gums. Whether the gums are oversized for the mouth, or make the teeth look crooked, these issues can be frustrating. Fortunately, there is a cosmetic dental procedure that can fix these aesthetic issues. palm beach gardens Gum contouring, or gum reshaping, is a procedure where gum tissue is removed or reshaped to better fit the teeth. Other than providing a solution to the cosmetic issues, gum contouring can be used to treat the advancement of gum disease. Whatever the purpose, if your dentist has recently recommended gum contouring, you may be wondering about the estimated cost of the procedure. Below is more information on gum contouring and what to expect the procedure to cost.

The gum contouring procedure

The gum contouring procedure can be performed by either a dentist or a periodontist. The procedure usually involves minimal risks, pain and discomfort. Prior to performing the procedure, the dentist will administer a local anesthetic to help minimize any discomfort. After the anesthetic sets in, the dentist will use either a scalpel or a laser and work to remove excess gum tissue. Lastly, the laser will be used to reshape the gum and seal the tissue to reduce bleeding. Once the procedure is complete the results are permanent, and the healing is complete in just a few days to a few weeks.

Estimated costs of the gum contouring procedure

The costs of the gum contouring procedure can range broadly and depend on several factors including:

  • Geographic location: prices of dental procedures vary widely depending on geographic location, dental procedures tend to cost more in urban settings
  • Goals of the procedure: If you are having gum contouring done to treat a cosmetic issue vs. gum disease, the extent of the procedure will be different and so will the cost
  • The amount of work needed: For some, gum contouring is only needed around a few teeth, while for others the amount of work may be more extensive and is needed throughout the mouth
  • Expertise and training of the dentist: Dentists with years of training and experience may charge more for procedures based on their experience

Depending on all of these factors, the average gum contouring procedure usually costs between $50-$350. Procedures that are more extensive and require work on all of the gum tissue in the mouth can range between $1,000-$3,000 or more.

Covering the costs

The goals of the procedure can also influence how you cover the cost. For contouring procedures that are cosmetic, many dental insurance plans will not cover the costs of the procedure. If you are concerned about covering the costs, you should have conversation with your dentist. You should also contact your insurance and see if your plan will cover some or all of the procedure. When you contact your insurance company, they will also be able to help you identify providers in your area who will perform the procedure and who may be covered by your plan.

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