Average Cost of a Gingivectomy
A gingivectomy is a surgical procedure that is utilized to remove excess or overgrown gum tissue. It can be used to treat periodontal disease as well as to correct a gummy smile. A gummy smile is when gum tissue covers too much tooth structure, giving teeth a small, boxy appearance. A gingivectomy exposes more tooth surface and gives you a proper tooth-to-gum ratio!
What is the procedure for a gingivectomy?
The doctor will administer a local anesthetic via injection into the area being treated to ensure that the gums are appropriately numb to keep you comfortable during the procedure. The doctor will then use a scalpel or a laser to cut away excessive gum tissue. Once the excessive tissue has been removed, they will carefully reshape the gum line. They will then apply a putty substance and bandages over the surgical site to keep it protected.
If your doctor opts to use a scalpel, they will most likely need to stitch up the area. A laser cuts and cauterizes at the same time, making stitches unnecessary. Depending on the number of teeth being treated, a gingivectomy can take anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour. Larger cases may need more than one session to complete, allowing for healing time between treatment areas.
How much does a gingivectomy cost?
The out-of-pocket cost for a change back to me ranges from $200-$400 per tooth. If you have insurance, treatment may be covered if it is deemed medically necessary due to a periodontal disease or an injury to the mouth. If you have a gummy smile that needs to be cosmetically corrected, treatment will not be covered by your insurance.
Laser gingivectomies are more common because technological advances in dentistry have made lasers more cost effective and easier to use. They are also more precise and allow for faster healing due to cauterization during the procedure! All of these benefits come with a higher price tag because they require more training on the part of the provider and some insurance plans will not cover treatment using a laser.
As with any procedure, the total cost will depend on how extensive treatment will be. It is important to contact your insurance provider before scheduling your procedure to understand your benefits.
If you believe you would benefit from a gingivectomy, many offices offer payment plans or work with a third-party financial company to provide easy payment options for their patients. If your gingivectomy is not medically necessary, you might consider looking into payment plan options to avoid a high out-of-pocket cost at the time of treatment.
It is important to understand your treatment options as well as your insurance benefits. Your dentist can help guide you where treatment is concerned but knowing what your insurance will cover is something you need to clarify before any procedure.