Gum Grafting Costs
The dentist has talked to you about your receding gums and recommends a gum grafting procedure to address them. If you’re considering moving forward with this treatment to protect your teeth roots and improve your overall gum health, understanding the associated costs can help you plan accordingly and make informed decisions about your care.
The total cost of gum grafting can vary widely based on several factors. Here are the major ones that will determine how much you will need to invest:
- The extent of the treatment required
If you only need to address a small area, only a single tooth is affected, then the price will be lower than if the dentist needs to work on a larger area in your mouth. The average cost per tooth is $800 to $1200, but the price may increase for more complicated cases.
- The type of gum grafting technique used
The three different types of grafts are connective tissue grafts, free gingival grafts, and pedicle grafts with each type requiring different expertise, materials, and even time for the procedure. The standard type of graft is the connective tissue graft so the price for this type will most likely be lower than the other two. The dentist will work with your specific needs to determine which type of graft is best for your case.
- The use of donor tissue versus tissue harvested from your own mouth
Your mouth may not be the best source for tissue for your gum graft so the dentist may suggest using a donor. If you use a donor, there will be costs for procuring and preparing the tissue for transplant affecting the overall cost. If you use your own tissue, the surgery will have an additional step and may be more complicated affecting the overall cost.
- Geographic location
Having your gum graft procedure completed in an urban area associated with higher cost of living will cost more than if you are in a more rural location. Additionally, the number of experienced and trained professionals in your area will also affect the cost of the procedure. If your dental specialist has more training and more experience, then their price may be higher than a dentist without the same credentials.
- Insurance coverage
If you have a dental insurance plan, be sure to review your coverage to see if any part of the procedure is covered under that plan. If the procedure is to improve your oral health and is medically necessary, the insurance plan will most likely cover at least a portion of the cost. If the procedure is more cosmetic, then you will need to cover the cost without insurance.
In the event that you do not have a dental insurance plan or your insurance plan is limited and you will need to cover 100% of the cost out of pocket, then be sure to talk to the dentist and their staff to see if they offer any financing options to help you manage the cost better. You may be able to set up a payment plan or even work with a third party for financing. Reviewing these options before the procedure will help your oral health improve and keep your budget intact.
If you have more questions about gum grafting or how it works as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to understand how gum grafting can help you.