How Much Does Gum Recession Treatment Cost? A Complete Guide for Patients

If you’ve noticed your teeth looking longer or felt pain near the gumline, you might be experiencing the adverse side effects of gum recession. It’s a common periodontal condition that shouldn’t be ignored. If left untreated, gum recession can lead to serious dental health issues, including tooth decay, bone loss, and eventually tooth loss.

Gum Recession treatment cost

Understandably, one of the first questions patients ask is, “How much does gum recession treatment cost?” In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know: treatment options, estimated prices, potential insurance coverage, and the significant cost of waiting too long to act.

What Is Gum Recession?

Gum recession occurs when the gum tissue surrounding the teeth pulls away or wears down, exposing more of the tooth surface, or, in more severe cases, the tooth root. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, increased risk of cavities, and aesthetic concerns.

If you’ve been told by a dentist or hygienist that your gums are receding, early treatment can significantly improve your oral health and save you a lot of money in the long run.

Gum Recession Treatment Options & Cost Breakdown

Treating gum recession doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all solution. The right treatment depends on the severity of your recession, your oral health history, and whether you’re also suffering from gum disease. In other words, gum recession treatment must be specifically tailored to your individual needs.

Here are the most common treatment options:

1. Deep Cleaning (Root Planing)

This non-surgical treatment involves cleaning below the gumline to remove hardened plaque and bacteria. The goal of the procedure is to clean the surface of the tooth roots, which encourages the gum tissue to reattach. Root planing is often the first step if recession is caused by gum inflammation or early-stage periodontal disease.

Estimated Cost: $200–$450 per quadrant

Best For: Mild gum recession; early-stage periodontal issues

Recovery Time: Minimal; some sensitivity for a few days

Advantages: Non-invasive, widely covered by insurance

2. Gum Graft Surgery

If gum tissue has been lost, a gum graft may be recommended. In this procedure, a small amount of tissue—typically from the roof of your mouth—is grafted to cover exposed roots and restore the gumline. It can be employed purely for cosmetic reasons or to prevent further tooth decay and bone loss.

Estimated Cost: $600–$1,500 per tooth

Best For: Moderate to severe gum recession

Recovery Time: 1–2 weeks with a soft food diet

Advantages: Protects tooth roots and improves appearance

3. LANAP Laser Gum Treatment

LANAP laser gum treatment utilizes a high-tech laser to remove diseased tissue and bacteria from below the gumline, while also encouraging your body to regenerate healthy gum tissue and bone.

Estimated Cost: $1,000–$3,000 per quadrant

Best For: Recession due to gum disease, patients seeking a minimally invasive treatment option

Recovery Time: 24–48 hours of mild discomfort

Pros: No cutting or sutures, faster healing, and less pain than traditional gum disease surgery

Does Dental Insurance Cover Gum Recession Treatment?

Dental insurance can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket cost, but the amount covered varies based on your plan and the reason for the procedure.

What’s Typically Covered:

• Scaling and Root Planing: Often covered if periodontal disease is discovered
• Gum Grafts: May be partially covered if considered medically necessary. Gum grafts performed strictly for cosmetic purposes are not typically covered.
• LANAP laser treatment: Often at least partially covered

If you have dental insurance: Bring your plan information to your consultation. Our team will contact your provider directly to verify benefits and help you maximize your coverage.

If you don’t have dental insurance: We accept cash payments and also offer flexible financing options through CareCredit.

Why Delaying Gum Recession Treatment Costs More in the Long Run

It’s tempting to put off dental care, especially if you're not in immediate pain. However, ignoring gum recession can lead to much bigger and more expensive problems. Here’s what can happen if you delay:

• Worsening recession that leads to exposed tooth roots, pain, and sensitivity
• Increased risk of tooth decay at the root surface
• Bone loss in the jaw, which typically requires a surgical procedure to correct
• Tooth loss may require dental implants or bridges costing $3,000–$6,000 per tooth. A $600 gum graft today could prevent a $5,000 implant in the future.

Early treatment isn't just more affordable—it’s often simpler, less invasive, and more likely to succeed.

Choosing the Right Periodontist for Gum Recession Treatment

As periodontal experts, our focus is not only on treating gum recession but also on identifying its root causes and helping patients protect their dental health long-term. Whether you're experiencing mild symptoms or advanced gum recession, we’ll create a custom treatment plan that fits your condition, timeline, and budget.

If you’ve noticed signs of gum recession or have been told by your dentist to see a periodontist, don’t wait. A brief, straightforward consultation could help prevent more serious dental problems in the future.

We’re here to help. Schedule a consultation today.