Gum Graft Cost
Gum Graft Cost
Gum grafting is a procedure used to treat gum recession. It can be used purely for cosmetic reasons or as a periodontal treatment to prevent future tooth decay and bone loss.
Gum grafting is a surgical technique that involves taking tissue, often from the roof of the patient’s own mouth, and attaching it to an area where the gum tissue has receded. In simplistic terms, the gum graft procedure can be thought of as a gum transplant. However, the patient and the donor are often one and the same.
There is high demand for the gum graft procedure, but many prospective patients wonder about the cost. We understand that periodontal treatment can be expensive and want all of our patients to thoroughly understand the cost before starting treatment.
Gum graft cost
In general, gum grafts cost $600 - $1500 per tooth. However, several factors can increase or decrease the cost. The most common factors are listed below:
Factors that affect gum graft cost
Type of gum graft
There are several types of gum grafts. The cost of the procedure can be higher or lower depending on the type of graft. In general, connective tissue grafts are the least expensive option, while allografts are the most costly.
These are the most common types of gum grafts:
• Connective tissue graft: Graft is taken from the oral palette. ($600-$1200 per tooth)
• Free gingival graft: Graft is taken from the roof of the mouth. ($800-$1500 per tooth)
• Pedicle graft: Graft is taken from an area adjacent to the problem area. ($800-$1500 per tooth)
• Allograft: Graft is sourced from a donor. ($1500-$3000 per tooth)
Amount of gum recession
Some gum recession cases are more extreme than others. If the gum recession is severe and affects a significant number of teeth, the gum graft procedure will be more involved and cost more than the average. That being said, severe cases of gum recession require more immediate attention. The likelihood of permanent damage increases substantially when a gum recession problem is left untreated.
Number of teeth
The previously mentioned prices are per tooth. As a result, The total cost will increase if more than one tooth requires treatment. While tooth recession on one tooth is fairly common, most cases of gum recession involve more than one tooth. We also recommend treating your gum recession with as few surgeries as possible to limit the recovery time.
Experience of the periodontist
Periodontists with extensive gum graft experience tend to charge more than those without experience. Most patients prefer to have an experienced periodontist perform their treatment. While younger doctors are often capable of producing excellent results, they simply haven’t encountered the spectrum of cases that more experienced periodontists have. This experience tends to give patients increased peace of mind as they approach the surgery.
Location of the periodontal practice
Generally, periodontists in large cities charge more for their services than those in suburban and rural areas. The cost of the procedure is typically tied to the expenses that the periodontist must cover to operate. For example, medical office space costs more in urban areas than it does in rural areas. This difference in expense necessitates that the urban periodontist charge a slightly higher fee for the gum graft procedure.
Is a gum graft covered by insurance?
When considering the cost of gum graft treatment, patients commonly ask whether a gum graft is covered by insurance? While dental insurance carriers do not cover purely cosmetic procedures, they do often cover necessary periodontal treatments. If you have dental insurance, your carrier will likely pay for some or all of your gum graft costs. We can help you determine how much of the cost your insurer will cover before you undergo treatment. We understand that insurance coverage plays a role in determining whether gum graft surgery fits within your budget.
We believe in transparent pricing
At Sacramento Periodontics, we are committed to offering transparent pricing. We want you to be comfortable with the total cost before beginning your treatment. We can even provide a breakdown of your insurance coverage and the factors that may increase or decrease the cost to you. Contact us today to set up a personalized gum graft consultation. We look forward to meeting you and helping you determine if the gum graft procedure is the right option for you.