If you have receding gums, you might be worried about your oral health. There's a dental procedure that can restore a healthy smile. Gum tissue grafting helps correct the effects of moderate to severe gum recession. If your dentist has recommended this minimally invasive procedure, you may be wondering about the procedure, costs and how to pay for costs not covered by insurance.
Gum recession is caused by the wearing down of gum tissue. Receding gums can occur at any age, but it's most common in older adults. Around 88% of people 65 and older have receding gums.
Receding gums expose the tooth's root, causing pain and sensitivity. When left untreated, this condition may increase your risk for cavities, infections and tooth loss.
Read on to learn about the costs associated with gum tissue grafting, whether insurance covers the procedure and how dental financing may help.
What Is a Gum Tissue Graft?
Gum tissue graft surgery is a long-lasting treatment that can reduce your risk of further dental complications. This minimally invasive surgical procedure is usually done by a dental specialist, such as a periodontist.
There are several gum graft procedures that may be considered. The type of procedure you have will be determined by the amount of tissue grafting required and the overall condition of your gums. If your gums are very thin, tissue from a tissue bank may be needed.
Common types of gum grafting surgeries include:
- Free gingival graft. Tissue is removed from the roof of the mouth and stitched (grafted) onto the receding gums to replace missing tissue.
- Connective tissue graft. A flap is opened in the roof of the mouth and a small piece of connective tissue is removed for grafting. This is the most common type of tissue graft procedure.
- Pedicle graft. A tissue flap will be made in your gums next to the receded area. The flap will be stitched over the receded gums to cover the area.
It may sound complicated, but gum grafting procedures are usually short in duration. Most people who have a gum tissue graft heal within two weeks.
How Much Does Gum Grafting Cost?
The average cost of gum graft surgery ranges from $600 to $1,200 per tooth. If gum contouring is performed to give the gums a more attractive appearance, it may add several hundred dollars to the total cost.
Additional factors that impact the price of gum grafting include:
- Number of teeth being worked on
- Amount of gum recession per tooth
- Who is performing the procedure (periodontist or other dental professional)
- Geographic location
- Origin of gum tissue (tissue from a tissue bank generally costs more)
- Addition of gum contouring to create a more attractive appearance
You may also incur costs for consultative and follow-up dental exams, plus any extras, like x-rays, pain medication and antibiotics, if prescribed.
Does Insurance Cover Gum Grafting Procedures?
Dental insurance plans vary in terms of coverage. Some plans only cover basic dental care, such as bi-annual cleanings and x-rays. Other plans cover some or all of the cost of medically necessary periodontal surgery. Health insurance plans sometimes pay for medically necessary dental surgery but don't typically cover gum tissue grafting.
Some dental insurance plans have a built-in waiting period for new enrollees. If you're planning on purchasing dental insurance to get coverage for gum grafting, you may have to wait several months or longer before your plan will pay for it.
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.
How to Pay for Gum Graft Surgery
If you need gum tissue graft surgery and don't have dental insurance, or you need a way to pay for the cost of copays, deductibles and any other out-of-pocket costs, there are several payment options to consider.
If you have the funds readily available, of course you can use those. You may also be able to use a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), a general-purpose credit card, or your CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network.*
Financing Gum Grafting With the CareCredit Credit Card
Whether you're getting a gum graft 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?
Expert Reviewer
Dr. Jorge Oaxaca, D.D.S.
Dr. Jorge Oaxaca, D.D.S., is a partner and owner of Oaxaca, Ong & Jensen Seal Beach DDS, located in Seal Beach, California. He has a holistic approach to dentistry and a passion for technology which has led him to practice progressive, cutting-edge computerized dentistry in his office to better serve his patients.
Author Bio
Corey Whelan is a freelance writer with 15 years of experience focusing on medical issues and health and wellness content. Her work has been featured in outlets such as Newsweek and Time Inc.