How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?

Before we are able to identify the expected cost of your crown lengthening mobile alabama procedure we need to determine why you are having it done. There are two major categories for reasoning, either a functional repair or for cosmetic reasons. In both cases though the results affect your smile. Your smile is an invaluable asset that is the foundation for your self-esteem and your self-confidence. Only you can put a price tag on improving your smile. It is reported today that a third of young Americans don’t like their smile for various reasons.

The Reasons to have a Crown Lengthening Procedure

Possibly you have had an unfortunate accident that broke off a tooth close to the gum line. There is not enough of the tooth exposed for your dentist to put on a crown so the tooth needs to be lengthened to allow that to happen. The crown lengthening is isolated to one tooth and this is a functional repair. A popular reason for crown lengthening is fondly called a gummy smile. When you look in the mirror and see more gum soft tissue than shiny white teeth the proportions are off. The entire gum line can be altered to expose more of the tooth and create a more balanced smile. This procedure is purely cosmetic.

The Steps of the Procedure

The procedure itself is quite simple. It should always begin with a set of x-rays so the dentist can see the entire tooth or teeth and what exists below the surface of the gum. Often times a professional cleaning will be suggested as well. Then a local anesthetic is administered to either the single tooth or the entire gum line to numb the area to receive the alteration. The traditional method is the use of a surgical scalpel to cut away the excess tissue to expose more of the tooth. Depending on the amount of tissue removed it may require sutures to close the incision. A dressing might be required for a very short period as well as some ice to reduce swelling. After a few days of tenderness the tissue will recover and the dentist can proceed with the addition of the crown. Or in a few weeks your gummy smile will be a thing of the past.

A new method available today is the use of a laser to facilitate the soft tissue removal. The beauty of this approach is the ability of the laser to cauterize the tissue immediately minimizing any bleeding resulting in a quicker recovery.

The Cost Difference Range

You can expect the crown lengthening cost to be $50 to $500 for one tooth and between $1000 to $3000 for any entire gum line. The variables include yourself and your particular situation, the location of the tooth if repairing just one, and the geographic location of you and your dentist. The procedure is more expensive on either coast versus the Midwest. An opening evaluation on your first visit will narrow down your costs. Again, what is the value of your smile? It is worth it!

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