What is this dental procedure called?

I was told there was some extra gum tissue that needed to be removed while I was in the dentist chair. (I was told it was possibly from having my wisdom teeth removed years ago). I said ok and it was removed. It took about 15 minutes and no scalpels were used. Then when I went to pay I was charged almost $500 for crown lenghtening. I have researched this procedure and I do not believe that is what was done. No scalpel was used, no sutures in my mouth, no prescription mouthwash or any prescriptions given. Actually the follow up care suggested was to brush it until it bleeds to make the area stronger. I did this once but the more I think about it seems like an awful idea, it would just push bacteria into the wound. Also, the healing times I have read for crown lengthening are like 3 months. I made an appointment to have the crown placed in 2 weeks.

Is this procedure some other form of crown lengthening that I can't find anything about, or some other procedure? How much should it cost

It was done with a laser.

I have to disagree with the Katie person who answered. I have been a dental assistant for 10 years, and have assisted on many crown lengthening procedures. It is not a major deal as she said. The fact that he didn't use a scalpel does not mean that he didn't do it. Many dentists, including the one I work for, use a laser to do this procedure since it decreases bleeding and makes a cleaner work environment. Crown lengthening is done to basically do exactly what it says: lenghten the crown of the tooth. It exposes more of the tooth structure so that there is more for a crown to fit onto. You shouldn't need sutures for this procedure. However, I always give patients who have this done an antibacterial mouth rinse to take home with them, and I have never heard of the idea of brushing the area till it bleeds, making it stronger. Hmmmmm. Don't know about that one.

There are two types of crown lengthening procedures: hard and soft tissue. Sounds like you had soft tissue. And yes, it is expensive. We only charge about $300, but every dentist has their own fees. I personally, as his assistant, would have told you the fee before it was done, not once you went to the front desk.

This was probably done with a laser which leaves a much cleaner finish with a quicker healing time than the older method of surgery and no stitches would have been required. Cleaning with a very soft toothbrush is essential otherwise you risk infection.

I can tell you that actual crown lengthening is a procedure usually performed by an oral surgeon or a periodontist (the dentists that deal specifically with issues of the bones in your mouth) and it's a serious procedure. It doesn't sound to me like the procedure you had was actually a crown lengthening, more like contouring of the gums. I suggest speaking with the dentist that performed the procedure...ask them to explain exactly what they did and ask why it was required. Basically, ask a lot of questions. This is your mouth, your body, and your money...you have a right to know. Also, if you're feeling uncomfortable or unsure about any of this, get a second opinion. Your insurance may not cover the visit with another doctor, but it's worth it if you're concerned about your health.

As a side note, crown lengthening usually involves not only reshaping the gums, but generally requires some work to the supporting bone structure, most often a bone graft of some kind. It's a serious procedure and I guarantee they would have used a scalpel and at least one or two stitches.

THIS IS DONE WITH LASER, NO NEED FOR SUTURES, AND VERY LITTLE BLEEDING AND PAIN..IDEAL WAY TO GO!!

Great Scott..and Wow. $500!!! Some dentists are schemers and will charge anything to better their profession. I'm not sure you can trust that one any more.