Coverage for Gum Contouring

Patients can undergo gum contouring surgery to treat gums that rest too low or too high on the teeth and affect their appearance.  For instance, teeth could seem small due to low gums, and teeth could seem long due to high gums. Dentists and periodontists use a specialized cutting tool or laser to remove and reshape the gum. They may add gum tissue to areas that experience gum recession, which WebMD defines as “a condition in which gum tissue pulls back from a tooth and exposes the tooth’s root.”  This procedure could help patients achieve a better smile. However, the costs of gum contouring increase when more than one tooth requires this treatment. Unfortunately, dental insurance coverage for the procedure is rare, but people can look to other options to help them pay for it.

Dental coverage

People may receive dental coverage if they need gum contouring for medically necessary reasons. Dental insurance policies usually do not provide benefits for this because they classify it as a cosmetic procedure. While dentists and periodontists complete the procedure to improve people’s smiles, it may also be necessary due to infection or injury. Particularly, gums that are too high could be caused by gum recession, which not only can lead to problems such as decay and tooth loss but also may be a sign of periodontal disease. In this case, patients may receive some coverage because the procedure is medically necessary to remove tissue affected by gum disease. 

Other financial options for gum contouring

Since dental insurance does not usually cover gum contouring for cosmetic reasons, people who want the procedure for those reasons can look to other financial options. For instance, they could get a discount plan that allows them to pay reduced prices for the procedure at practices that accept the plan. Dental practices may allow patients to pay for the procedure over time or pay the full amount in cash at a discounted price. Patients could also find decreased costs for treatment performed by supervised students or faculty at a dental school clinic.

Gum contouring can improve people’s smiles and resolve any dental health issues. Dentists and periodontists can help patients establish the medical necessity of the procedure so that patients can receive some dental coverage. Alternatively, patients could opt for other financial options to help them pay for it. If you are struggling with billing, consider partnering with eAssist. Our Success Consultants are knowledgeable about the medical necessities of the procedure and will ensure it is billed correctly. To learn more schedule a consult here.

Sandy Odle

Co-Founder and CXO, eAssist

Sandy Odle is the Co-Founder and CXO of eAssist Dental Solutions, where she has played a key role in shaping the company’s business and marketing strategies, leading to record growth and national recognition on the Inc. 500 and Utah Top 100 lists. A passionate social entrepreneur, Sandy believes that business is about building meaningful connections and creating personalized solutions that truly meet customer needs. Her relentless commitment to delivering exceptional client experiences is at the heart of eAssist’s mission. Drawing on the discipline and attention to detail honed during her early career as a ballet dancer, Sandy brings a unique blend of creativity, precision, and work ethic to everything she does.