How Much Does Gum Grafting Cost? Price and Procedure Guide

If you have receding gums, you might be worried about your oral health. The good news is that a common dental procedure called "gum grafting" can restore your healthy smile. If your dentist has recommended this minimally invasive procedure, you may be wondering about what the procedure involves, the costs and whether this is the right solution for you.

While gum grafts can improve the appearance of your smile, they're recommended for more than just that. Gum recession — which occurs when your gum tissue wears down — exposes your tooth's root, causing pain and sensitivity. When left untreated, this condition may increase your risk for decay and tooth loss. Gum grafts alleviate these problems and protect your teeth.¹

What Are Gum Grafts?

Gum tissue graft surgery is a long-lasting treatment that can reduce your chance of further dental complications. The procedure happens in two parts.²

First, tissue is taken from your palate or a donor source if your gums are very thin. The tissue is then used to cover exposed roots, helping reduce sensitivity and prevent additional bone loss and gum recession.³

In addition to all these health benefits, a gum graft will also help improve your smile's appearance by covering up exposed roots.¹

Types of Gum Grafts

There are three main types of gum grafts:⁴

• Connective tissue graft. A small flap is made on the roof of your mouth. This enables your dentist to remove a piece of connective tissue from beneath the surface. Your dentist will stitch (graft) this tissue over where your gums receded to cover the exposed root. This is the most common type of gum graft.

• Free gingival graft. Tissue is removed from the surface of the roof of your mouth and stitched onto the receding gums. This uses more tissue than connective grafts.

• Pedicle graft. Tissue is removed from the gums next to the receded area. This type of graft is only done if you have enough nearby gum tissue.

In addition to three types of procedures, there are three main types of donor tissues that can be used for a gum graft:¹

• Autogenous gum grafts. This uses your own mouth's tissue, but it's only possible if you have enough healthy tissue to donate.

• Allografts. New gum tissue comes from a human donor, usually banked tissue, cadavers or living donors who had elective surgery.

• Xenografts. The donor tissue is taken from a different species, typically cow or pig.⁵

Gum Graft Costs

The national average cost* for gum graft surgery in the United States is $2,742 but can range from $2,120 to $4,982.⁶

Additional factors that can impact the price of gum grafting include:⁷

• Type of gum graft (gingival grafts are similar in cost to connective grafts, pedicle grafts are less expensive)

• Number of teeth being worked on, location of the graft sites and their size⁸

• Whether you need a local anesthetic or general anesthesia²

• The cost of X-rays and aftercare⁶

• The dental professional performing the procedure⁶

• Severity of the gum recession

• Origin of gum tissue (tissue from a donor generally costs more)

• Addition of gum contouring to create a more attractive appearance

Gum graft surgery cost by state/district

Here's a look at the average cost* of a connective tissue gum graft in each state/district.⁶

Does Insurance Cover Gum Grafts?

Dental insurance plans vary in terms of coverage. Some plans will only cover a gum graft when there's a specific amount of gum recession present. Some plans may cover half the cost, while others may cover more. Most dental plans also have an annual maximum they will cover, and if your cost exceeds that, you'll be on the hook for the rest.⁹

Health insurance plans sometimes pay for medically necessary dental surgery, especially if it poses a systemic health threat. Treatment for more severe cases of periodontal (gum) disease is more likely to be covered by medical insurance, especially if it involves surgery.¹⁰

Check with your plan's provider to determine your specific benefits, as well as out-of-pocket costs you'll be expected to pay. These may include deductibles and copays. Your insurer should be able to give you an estimate ahead of time.

If your gum graft isn't fully covered by insurance, you'll want a backup option in mind, such as a general-purpose credit card or your CareCredit credit card that offers special financing.**

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Gum Graft?

Anyone experiencing gum recession may be a candidate for gum graft surgery. With that said, you're a better candidate if you don't have the following additional issues:¹¹

• A severe gum infection that might cause your graft to have trouble growing

• Uncontrolled diabetes

• High blood pressure

• Chronic anemia

• Chronic smoker who can't stop for the surgery and healing

• Taking blood thinners

How Does Gum Graft Surgery Work?

Before you can get a gum graft, you'll need a consultation with your dentist to make sure this is the right treatment for you. You may also need a deep cleaning or even tooth extractions before the surgery.¹

Preparation

Follow everything your dentist requests that you do to prepare for the surgery. This may include:⁸

• Not smoking for two weeks before and after the surgery¹

• Having someone drive you home afterward since you'll be sedated

• Avoiding medicine like aspirin, which can increase bleeding

• Making sure you're eating healthy foods and are well-hydrated before your surgery

Procedure

A gum graft procedure is fairly simple. You'll likely only be under local anesthesia (which means you'll be awake but won't feel pain). If you're extremely nervous or more extensive work is needed, your dentist might recommend general anesthesia.²

First, the oral surgeon will make small incisions in your gums where you need a graft. Then the incision will be pulled back, and the new tissue will be put over the exposed bone. Your surgeon will finish the procedure by stitching up the incision.⁸

Possible Side Effects of Gum Grafts

Gum grafting is generally safe. But as with any surgical procedure, it does come with side effects and potential complications:¹

• Infection is possible at the donor and recipient sites.

• Bleeding is common, but contact your dentist if you have excessive bleeding.

• Pain is usually mild, and pain medication can help.

• Swelling peaks two to three days post-op and goes away over the next 10 days.

Recovering From Gum Graft Surgery

Most people who have a gum tissue graft heal in about two weeks.¹² What you do during the first few days can make a big difference in how you heal. Here are a few things your dentist may recommend to aid your recovery:¹³

• Use ice packs for 20 minutes at a time, a few times a day, during the first few days.

• Don't rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours post-op. After that, rinse with an 8-ounce glass of room-temperature water mixed with a teaspoon of salt after meals or snacks.¹²

• Use over-the-counter pain medication for mild post-op discomfort.

• For the first few days post-op, eat soft foods. Avoid any chewy or hard food. (Note: Some dentists may recommend eating soft foods for two weeks. Ask your dentist for a specific timetable.⁴)

• Some dentists may recommend a liquid diet for the first two days. If so, you can blend soups and have vitamin-filled smoothies and eat them at room temperature.¹²

• Avoid strenuous activity for the first few days.¹²

• Keep your head elevated above your heart for the first few days and don't sleep on your side. This can help reduce swelling.

• Don't smoke or use tobacco products.

While gum graft surgery can be expensive, it's a worthwhile investment to protect your teeth in the long run. After you recover, you'll feel less sensitivity and pain, and you'll be happier with your smile. If you're interested in this procedure, your dentist can help you determine if it's the right choice for your teeth.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gum Grafts

Do you still have questions about gum grafting? Here are some answers to commonly asked questions about gum grafts.

Financing Gum Grafts With the CareCredit Credit Card

Whether you're getting gum grafts or you're simply paying for a dental exam, the CareCredit credit card can help you pay for costs not covered by insurance.^** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a dentist or oral surgeon near you that accepts CareCredit. Use the CareCredit credit card, again and again, to pay for your health and wellness wants and needs, and download the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to dental care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for pet care, cosmetic, vision, hearing, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Stephanie Dwilson specializes in science journalism, breaking news and animal health and is a business owner, non-practicing attorney and writer.