Now that you have determined the best treatment plan for you includes a frenectomy, it is time to ask the next question: How much is this going to cost? Knowing what to expect when you get the bill is just as important as knowing what to expect from the procedure. You will be able to budget and avoid worrying about unexpected expenses. Because a frenectomy is an oral surgery that releases a band of tissue in the mouth, the cost can vary greatly depending on your specific case and what the dentist uses to complete your procedure.
The biggest factor that will affect the total cost of your frenectomy is the type of frenectomy you need: labial or lingual. A labial frenectomy addresses the tissue separating the upper lip and the front of the teeth, and it is less expensive than a lingual frenectomy. Each type of frenectomy has different tools, training, and length of time needed to complete.
The technique used to remove the tissue affects the overall cost of the procedure. For example, certain procedures can be performed with traditional surgical instruments like scalpels, and others can include the use of a special laser. Because the laser is able to reduce bleeding and trauma to the surrounding tissue, you will be able to heal faster from the frenectomy. A dental laser will increase the price of the surgery, but you can work with the dentist to determine the best option for your needs.
Geographic location will always affect the cost of your dental treatments. It will usually cost more if you live in a larger city or near either coast. The cost of running the dental practice and the general cost of living need to be taken into consideration. Additionally, dentists may or may not include follow-up appointments and your post-operative assessment in the cost of the surgery. The dentist may have specialized training in order to be able to offer these procedures, so the additional learning may increase the cost of the frenectomy while ensuring the best results for you.
If you have dental or medical Insurance coverage, be sure to review your policies, as many insurers consider frenectomy to be medically or dentally necessary if performed for functional problems. Coverage may differ depending on the diagnosis, patient's age, and whether the procedure is being done in conjunction with orthodontic or speech therapy. Talk to the staff at your dental office to see if they are familiar with your insurance benefits and what paperwork needs to be submitted in order for your procedure to be covered. The staff will be able to share the total cost of the treatment before any insurance benefits, so you can prepare.
If you have no insurance or your carrier doesn't give full coverage, you should be able to review payment plans, third-party financing, or in-house financing with your dental practice to help you pay for procedures and to make them more affordable. If you take the time to review all your options before your treatment, you may be able to talk to the dentist about less expensive options to address your problem but leave a smaller impact on your finances.
If you have more questions about frenectomies or how a frenectomy could help you achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if a frenectomy is the best option for you.