Considering a BCBS covered crown lengthening procedure? You’re in the right place. Crown lengthening might sound technical, but it simply means trimming gum (and sometimes bone) to expose more of your tooth. Whether you need it to support a crown, bridge, or to balance your smile, knowing how Blue Cross Blue Shield handles this surgery can save you time and money. In this guide, you’ll learn what crown lengthening involves, how BCBS plans typically cover it, and practical tips to prepare, recover, and budget with confidence.
Crown lengthening overview
What is crown lengthening?
Crown lengthening is a minor surgical procedure where your dentist or periodontist removes gum tissue—and occasionally a bit of bone—to reveal more of your natural tooth. This extra tooth “real estate” helps secure restorations like crowns or bridges, improves oral hygiene access, and can even create a more balanced smile line.
Why seniors need it
As we age, decay, fractures, or existing restorations can leave too little tooth structure for a stable crown or bridge. Crown lengthening ensures you have enough healthy tooth above the gum line for a snug, lasting fit. Plus, it can reduce gum inflammation by making cleaning easier.
BCBS coverage details
Eligibility and preapproval
Most BCBS plans classify crown lengthening as a restorative or periodontal surgery and cover it when deemed medically necessary. You’ll usually need preauthorization—think of it as getting a green light from BCBS before your dentist schedules the procedure. To speed things up:
- Ask your dentist to submit X-rays and a treatment plan
- Call the member services number on your ID card to confirm preapproval steps
- Verify whether you must use an in-network provider
Cost sharing specifics
Coverage varies by state, plan, and network tier. Here’s a quick snapshot of what you might see:
| Coverage feature | Typical BCBS plan details |
|---|---|
| Plan eligibility | Depends on your specific BCBS policy and state rules |
| Medical necessity requirement | Crown lengthening must be approved by BCBS |
| Preauthorization | Often required before scheduling |
| Cost sharing | Deductible first, then coinsurance (20–50% typical)* |
| Annual maximums | $1,000–$2,500 per calendar year |
| Lifetime limits | Often one crown lengthening per tooth |
*Percentages vary—check your Summary of Benefits.
Prepare for surgery
Find a BCBS dentist
Choosing an in-network provider helps lower out-of-pocket costs. You can search the BCBS directory online or reach out to a restorative dentist accepting bcbs insurance. If your preferred dentist isn’t in-network, ask about out-of-network benefits and any paperwork you’ll need.
Schedule and documentation
- Book a consultation to confirm you need crown lengthening
- Gather relevant dental records, X-rays, and your BCBS ID
- Submit a preauthorization request—your office may handle this
- Once approved, pick a date you can take it easy afterward
Post-surgery care tips
Managing discomfort
You might experience mild swelling or tenderness for a few days. Here’s how to stay comfortable:
- Apply an ice pack to your cheek in 10-minute intervals
- Take prescribed pain relievers or NSAIDs as directed
- Rest with your head elevated to reduce bleeding
Diet and hygiene
What you eat and how you clean can speed healing:
- Follow a soft-food diet: mashed potatoes, applesauce, yogurt
- Avoid hot, crunchy, or spicy items for 7–10 days
- Gently rinse with saltwater—no vigorous swishing
- Brush nearby teeth carefully, skipping the surgical site until cleared
Coverage options comparison
BCBS vs other insurers
If you’re shopping plans or comparing benefits, here’s a quick look at how BCBS stacks up against other major carriers:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield: solid restorative coverage with preauthorization required
- Cigna: see our guide to in-network restorative dental care with cigna for details
- Aetna: learn more at aetna covered restorative dental services
- UnitedHealthcare: explore restorative dental work with uhc coverage
Calculate your costs
Deductibles and coinsurance
Your final bill depends on:
- Your plan deductible (often $50–$200 per person)
- The coinsurance percentage after deductible (20–50% typical)
- Any remaining annual maximum
If you’ve already met your deductible for the year, BCBS will start covering its share right away.
Financial assistance and resources
- Ask your dental office about in-house payment plans
- Check for senior discounts or community health grants
- Use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay pre-tax
Key takeaways
- Crown lengthening exposes more tooth structure for better restorations and hygiene
- BCBS generally covers the procedure when it’s medically necessary and preauthorized
- Choosing an in-network provider and understanding your deductible and coinsurance can lower costs
- Follow post-surgery care tips—soft foods, gentle hygiene, and ice packs—for a smooth recovery
- Compare BCBS benefits with other carriers like Cigna, Aetna, and UHC before you decide
Now that you know how a BCBS plan approaches crown lengthening, you can book a consultation with confidence. Have you gone through the procedure? Share your tips or questions in the comments below so fellow seniors can smile with ease.
