How Much Does Gum Grafting Cost?

The average cost of gum grafting is $2,325, according to recent reviews from RealSelf members. However, prices can range from just a few hundred dollars with insurance to as much as $4,000 without it.

The goal of a gum grafting procedure (also called a gingival graft or periodontal surgery) is to cover exposed tooth roots caused by receding gums. This helps prevent tooth loss and improves your smile.

Read on to learn how likely it is that insurance will cover the procedure, whether real patients think it's worth the money, and why the cost of gum tissue grafts can vary so much.

Related: Everything You Need to Know About Gum Grafting

Is a gum graft worth the cost?

RealSelf members give gum graft surgery a Worth It Rating of 100%. So while a majority were happy with their investment, not everyone had a good experience. 

Many of the reviewers who rated their procedure "Worth It" say that it wasn't as painful as they anticipated (with a local anesthetic), and that it left their gums looking like there had been no recession. Several also praised their periodontist for helping them feel relaxed.

Most of those who say their gum grafting surgery was "Not Worth It" had complications during the healing process. Common complaints were lingering pain, tooth sensitivity, ulcers, or problems with the new tissue graft not surviving. 

A well-reviewed, board-certified periodontist who regularly performs gum grafting should be able to mitigate complications and advise you on how to have the smoothest possible recovery. 

They can also help you weigh the cost of surgery against the likely effects of gum recession, including potential tooth loss (which is far more expensive to fix).

RealSelf Tip: This surgical procedure won't prevent all future oral health problems, like gum disease. You'll still have to practice good dental hygiene, like daily brushing and flossing, as well as regular dental care appointments, to maintain healthy gums and teeth.

Which factors impact gum graft surgery costs?

The cost of gum grafting depends on:

1) The type of gum graft you get and amount of work required.

Every gum graft procedure is tailored to the patient, with some people requiring more work than others. 

“The fees depend on the number of sites needing [a] graft,” explains Dr. Michael Mazaheri, a dentist in Scottsdale, Ariz. For instance, a gum graft for just one or two teeth will be substantially less expensive than a graft that covers a larger area and requires more donor tissue.

Your provider will assess your degree of gum recession and make a recommendation for a specific type of gum graft. The most common include:

• A connective-tissue graft: Your periodontist cuts a flap of skin from the roof of the mouth, removes soft tissue from under the top layer of your skin, and grafts it to the gum line, to cover exposed roots. 
• A free-gingival graft: Recommended for patients with thin gums, this procedure is similar to connective-tissue grafts, but tissue is removed directly from the roof of your mouth instead of from under the flap. 
• A pedicle graft: A flap of donor tissue is taken from the gum near the area that needs to be repaired and stretched over the exposed root. This approach works best for people who already have sufficient gum tissue in the area. 

During your initial consultation, your provider will discuss your treatment plan how it will affect your gum graft cost.

2) Your provider's credentials and level of expertise

Gum graft procedures are typically performed by a board-certified periodontist, who specializes in gum health. 

Each doctor sets their own fees, based on their experience, credentials, and availability. More experienced, in-demand providers usually charge more. So if you're looking for ways to save, consider finding a board-certified, well-reviewed doctor who's still establishing their patient base. 

3) Their practice location

All doctors have overhead (including rent and staff salaries) that's passed on to patients, and those in major metros with a high cost of living usually have to charge more. 

If you don't have insurance coverage or know your procedure will only be partially covered, it can be worth the time to consult with qualified periodontists in a few different areas of town, including those with modest practices (rather than luxury offices in the heart of downtown). If they don't offer complimentary consultations, you may be able to request a cost range over the phone before booking a consult.

Does insurance cover a gum tissue graft procedure?

In cases where a dental professional can provide documentation that gum grafting surgery is being done for medical reasons (for example, to correct periodontal disease or gum recession) rather than cosmetic reasons, most dental insurance plans will cover the procedure.

How much of the cost of gum grafting your dental insurance will cover depends on the specifics of your carrier and plan. Your provider's office should be able to help confirm your coverage level, but it's always a good idea to reach out to your insurance company personally, to confirm what kind of documentation they'll need.

Gum graft costs with insurance can be as little as [minCost], but if you find that you'll have to pay significantly more than that (or want to spread out the cost), ask your provider if they offer monthly payment options or accept financing options, like CareCredit.