How Much Does Crown Lengthening Cost?
Crown lengthening reshapes gum tissue (and, in some cases, the bone beneath it) to reveal more of a tooth’s structure. This can be necessary when a tooth has broken close to the gum line or when there is not enough surface to support a crown, bridge, or veneer. When your dentist recommends a crown lengthening procedure, it is natural to wonder what it will cost.
Key Factors Influencing Cost
The price of crown lengthening varies, and that variation often depends on a few key factors.
First, there is the complexity of your case. A single-tooth procedure is generally less costly than work that involves several teeth or an entire section of your smile. Some procedures are relatively quick and localized, while others require more extensive reshaping of both soft tissue and bone.
Location also matters. Dental offices in large urban areas or regions with higher costs of living tend to charge more than practices in smaller or less dense communities. You may also find that offices offering newer technology come with a higher price tag. These tools can sometimes speed up healing and reduce discomfort, which some patients see as worth the added cost.
Whether insurance helps cover your crown lengthening depends on why you are having it done. If the procedure is needed for functional reasons—for example, to ensure a crown fits securely or to expose decay under the gum—it may be partially covered. If, on the other hand, the goal is purely cosmetic, such as improving the look of a “gummy smile,” you will likely need to cover the full cost out of pocket.
It’s important to be aware that, sometimes, crown lengthening is just one step in a larger process. You might need X-rays or imaging beforehand, as well as follow-up visits to monitor healing. And if the goal is to place a crown, that restoration will come with its own cost. Not all of these services are bundled together, so do not be shy about asking for a breakdown.
Overall Cost Projections
So what should you expect to pay overall? Most patients can expect crown lengthening to fall somewhere in the mid to high hundreds per tooth. For more complex or cosmetic cases, the total may reach into the low thousands. While the numbers can vary, what matters most is that you feel informed, not overwhelmed.
If you are unsure, ask for a consultation. A trustworthy provider will walk you through your options, explain the healing timeline, and help you understand how to care for your gums afterward. The right dentist will never rush you into a decision. Instead, they will offer reassurance, clarity, and a plan that works with your needs, financial and otherwise.
Cost matters—but it is only one part of the decision. A well-done crown lengthening procedure can prevent future dental complications, help restorations fit better, and improve gum health for the long haul. That peace of mind can be worth more than any single figure on a bill.
In the end, crown lengthening is not just about cost, but about confidence, comfort, and care that lasts.