Gingivectomy prices in Switzerland

A gingivectomy removes part of the gum that covers the teeth too much, to make them look longer and the smile more harmonious. It corrects a gummy smile, where the gum is very visible, an irregular gum line or excess gum after orthodontic treatment. It can be performed with a scalpel or a laser. When the bone also needs reshaping, this is called crown lengthening, which is more complex. The price depends on the number of teeth and the technique. For the procedure, see our page on gingivectomy.

The price of a gingivectomy depends on the number of teeth, often six to ten for a smile, and the technique: scalpel or laser, the latter slightly more expensive. Crown lengthening, which also involves the bone, costs more. The procedure is performed under local anaesthesia, with little downtime. It is generally paid for by the patient, except for certain medical indications.

A simple gingivectomy removes excess gum when the bone is well positioned. Crown lengthening is needed when the bone is too close to the gum margin; it requires a longer procedure. The laser cuts and coagulates at the same time, which limits bleeding and sometimes improves comfort.

A gummy smile can have several causes: excess gum, an upper lip that rises a lot, an overdeveloped upper jaw, or short or worn teeth. Each cause has its own solution: gingivectomy, botulinum toxin for the lip, jaw surgery in marked cases. An accurate diagnosis avoids unsuitable spending.

For a gingivectomy on six front teeth, prices vary from one region to another, as detailed in the tables.

Cosmetic gingivectomy is paid for by the patient. Certain medical situations, such as gum thickening caused by certain medications or a disease, may qualify for cover depending on the case. Supplementary dental insurance may sometimes contribute.

A gingivectomy is often performed before veneers or a Hollywood smile, to achieve teeth of harmonious length. The veneers are fitted a few weeks later, once the gum has healed. See the price of a Hollywood smile.

The gum is tender for a few days; mouthwashes and a soft diet are recommended. Full healing takes one to two weeks.

Check the number of teeth, the technique, whether crown lengthening is needed, the practitioner's experience and post-operative care.

Someone with excess gum on the upper teeth: a six-tooth gingivectomy. Someone whose bone is too close: crown lengthening. Someone whose lip rises a lot: botulinum toxin.

Mouthwashes, painkillers, healing check-up.

Before any gingivectomy, the dentist or periodontist examines the smile at rest and when smiling, measures the height of visible gum, the length of the teeth and the position of the bone under the gum, often by probing and an X-ray. They also assess lip mobility. These measurements determine whether a simple gingivectomy is enough, whether crown lengthening is needed, or whether the cause lies elsewhere. A simulation, sometimes a mock-up, allows you to visualise the new length of the teeth. This diagnostic step, often charged, determines whether the treatment is appropriate and therefore whether the expense is worthwhile.

The laser cuts the gum and coagulates small blood vessels at the same time, which limits bleeding and can reduce discomfort after the procedure. It allows the new contour to be drawn precisely. It is not suitable for all cases, particularly when the bone needs reshaping, where a more conventional surgical procedure is required. The extra cost of laser is generally moderate.

Gums that are inflamed or swollen because of insufficient hygiene can give the impression of excess gum. Scaling and improved hygiene are sometimes enough to correct the problem, without surgery. The dentist checks this before proposing a gingivectomy.

After treatment with braces or aligners, the gum may remain thickened or irregular. A light gingivectomy then evens out the contour and showcases the alignment work. It is often performed a few months after treatment ends.

When the bone is too close to the gum margin, removing only the gum is not enough: the gum would grow back to restore its natural distance from the bone. Crown lengthening involves lifting the gum, slightly reshaping the bone, then repositioning the gum higher up. This longer procedure sometimes requires stitches and a few weeks of healing. It is also used before fitting a crown on a tooth broken at the gum line, which, depending on the context, may fall under different cover rules.

The practitioner designs a symmetrical gum line, with the gum margins slightly higher on the central incisors and canines than on the lateral incisors, as in a natural smile. This aesthetic precision, beyond the simple removal of tissue, is what makes a quality result.

The medical aspects, from assessment to follow-up, are covered on our page Gingivectomy in Switzerland.

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Everything about price, in a few lines.

Gums: frequently asked questions

Does smoking delay healing? Yes, it is advisable to abstain.

Can you brush your teeth afterwards? Yes, gently around the treated area.

Does a gingivectomy change tooth sensitivity? Temporary sensitivity is possible.

Why would the gum grow back without crown lengthening? It tends to restore its natural distance from the bone.

Are stitches used? Often for crown lengthening.

Is a swollen gum always excess gum? No, inflammation may be the cause.

Can scaling be enough? Sometimes, if the gum is only inflamed.

Is a simulation offered? Often, to visualise the new length of the teeth.

Is an X-ray necessary? Often, to locate the bone.

Does a gingivectomy often follow orthodontics? Yes, to even out the contour after alignment.

Does laser cause less bleeding? Yes, it coagulates as it cuts.

Does the gum change colour afterwards? It heals and returns to a normal appearance within a few weeks.

Can a single tooth be treated? Yes, for an isolated irregularity.

What is a gingivectomy? The removal of part of the gum to expose more of the tooth.

Can a gummy smile be corrected this way? Often, when the excess comes from the gum.

How is the price calculated? According to the number of teeth and the technique.

Does laser cost more than a scalpel? Often slightly, with a sometimes more comfortable recovery.

What is crown lengthening? A procedure that removes gum and a little bone to lengthen the tooth.

Does crown lengthening cost more? Yes, because it also involves the bone.

Is a gingivectomy reimbursed? Rarely; certain medical indications may be.

Which medical indications? For example, certain forms of gum thickening caused by medication.

Is local anaesthesia enough? Yes, generally.

How long does the procedure take? Often thirty minutes to an hour.

Is the recovery painful? Moderate discomfort for a few days.

Is time off work needed? Rarely.

Does the gum grow back? Very little, if the indication is right.

Can a gummy smile have other causes? Yes, the lip or the jaw; other treatments exist.

Can botulinum toxin correct a gummy smile? If the lip rises too high, temporarily.

How many teeth are involved? Often six to ten visible teeth.

Does the price vary by canton? Slightly, according to our tables.

Do you need a specialist? A periodontist or an experienced dentist.

Can veneers be fitted afterwards? Yes, often a few weeks later.

Is the result long-lasting? Yes, generally.

Is a special diet needed afterwards? Soft foods for a few days.

Tell us your canton: we will refer you free of charge to a periodontist or dentist who performs gum surgery.