Is crown lengthening expensive?
Crown lengthening in preparation for a crown or filling is considered restorative, so at least a portion of the cost is probably covered by your insurance policy. This treatment can also minimize your risk of requiring more costly treatment in the future. However, if crown lengthening is performed in preparation for a porcelain veneer, it is considered cosmetic, and will not qualify for coverage.
Before your procedure
The doctor will explain exactly what to expect and provide detailed pre- and post-operative instructions. Here is what you need to know:
- The tooth and surrounding area will be numbed with local anesthesia. If you wear a temporary crown, your dentist will remove it
- Small amounts of soft tissue (and bone tissue, in some cases) will be removed
- Sutures may be applied to close any incisions. Lasers usually eliminate the need for sutures
- If you wear a temporary crown, it will be placed back onto the tooth
- The gums must heal for about three months
- Once you have fully healed, your filling, permanent crown, or veneer can be placed