Are you worried about your smile deteriorating due to receding gums? Do not worry about it! Gum tissue grafting can help you regain your confidence. This minimally invasive treatment is perfect for moderate to severe gum recession, and a suitable way to make your teeth look healthy. If you are wondering how much gum grafting would cost you, stay till the end to find your answer.
What Is a Gum Graft?
A gum tissue graft is a surgery aimed at treating gums receding from their line by covering the exposed roots of teeth. The procedure is minimally invasive and works by taking tissue from the mouth roof or other healthy gum tissues and attaching it where needed.
The good news is that gum grafts are designed to cater to various needs. With types like free gingival grafts, connective tissue grafts, and pedicle grafts, each can be tailored to your specific condition. Moreover, the success rate of the gum grafting technique is high, reducing the risk of severe gum disease and associated complications.
You need to book a skilled periodontist, a specialist with additional training in gum health after dental school to ensure the success of your gum graft surgery. You can expect the recovery to range from 1-2 weeks, during which you may experience mild soreness. However, with post-surgical instructions and painkillers, the healing usually goes smoothly.
Breaking Down the Cost of Gum Grafting
Gum grafting can cost from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars depending on factors like the type of surgery, quantities of teeth involved, and whether or not dental insurance covers your treatment.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of each:
1. Type of Gum Graft Technique Used
Every procedure has different techniques involved and that significantly amounts to the cost you have to pay for the treatment. For instance, if you or an endodontist selects connective tissue grafts, expect to pay up to an average sum of 2300 USD.
On the other hand, pedicle grafts, mostly popular due to comparative cost-effectiveness, typically range between 500 USD to 1200 USD per tooth. However, if a donor tissue is involved the cost can significantly amp up, making it the most expensive option.
2. Scope of Treatment
The cost of grafting for treating gum recession varies on the severity, typically ranging from 700 USD to over 2000 USD, with factors influencing the overall cost like the extent of recession, number of teeth, where they are located and need for anesthesia.
3. Additional Dental Work
There are times when a person needs more than one type of dental treatment alongside gum grafting. This further increases the overall cost of treatment. For example, if your dentist tells you the need to get gum contouring to reshape the gum line around your teeth, opting out of it can affect adversely. This additional procedure can cost between 50 USD to 150 USD per tooth.
How Much Do Different Gum Grafting Procedures Cost?
Now that you have learned details about the factors that influence gum grafting procedure costs, let’s take a look at different types of procedures and how much would each charge you.
1. Connective Tissue Grafts
This type of gum grafting procedure is most popularly used where the periodontist extracts tissue from your palate and fixes it in the area of recession. This procedure offers various advantages like getting your gums back in place, reducing the risk of periodontal disease, less tooth sensitivity, etc.
The recovery period for this technique is 1 to 2 weeks, during which you may experience a tad bit of discomfort. The cost of connective tissue gum grafting fluctuates; however, it falls within the range of 500 USD to 1200 USD per tooth.
2. Free Gingival Grafts
This gum grafting procedure augments thin gums and involves site preparation and tissue extraction from the roof of the mouth. Then, they put a fibrin-fibronectin seal to ensure proper graft stabilization. You can expect the cost of this gum grafting type to go from 600 USD to 3000 USD per area.
3. Pedicle Grafts
Pedicle grafts for gum recession are an effective and cost-friendly option compared to other gum grafts. This procedure uses your own gum, eliminating the need for additional donor tissue, and minimizing the total costs. Moreover, the downtime is quite less. Recovery is usually quick, around 7-10 days.
Payment Plans For Gum Grafting Costs
It is true that there is no one-size-fits-all answer for this and the cost of gum grafting is always fluctuating, you must remember that insurance providers offer coverage for major dental surgeries, including this.
However, the extent of coverage varies on the medical need or urgency of the procedure. Here’s a quick overview.
Insurance Coverage
Are you wondering if your insurance will help cover the cost of gum grafting? Well, it all boils down to how your dentist shows the need for the procedure and your insurance policy. Some offer partial coverage if the need falls under a medical necessity.
Always select the plan after fully understanding the policy with your insurance provider. They can clarify the specifications of your coverage and limitations related to gum grafting if any. The good news is that many dental insurance plans do cover the cost of gum grafting, especially when it is aimed at preventing or treating gum disease.
Alternative Payment Plans
When it comes to the expenses of gum grafting, you cannot rely solely on insurance. There are other areas you can explore to make this procedure affordable for you. Dental clinics often offer financing plans, allowing patients to spread the cost over several months, easing the financial burden.
In addition to that, health savings accounts are great options too. This strategy allows you to set aside pre-tax money specifically for medical costs, including dental procedures. Moreover, Medicaid and Medicare may provide cost coverage for gum grafting, more so in cases where the procedure is essential to prevent life-threatening situations.
Closing Note
In a nutshell, if gum grafting is essential, dental insurance can cover the cost for you. Moreover, you do have options like Medicaid for help. If you have more questions, get in touch with Dr. Amjad Sheikh at Trinity Dental Centers, who has more than 20 years of experience in the field. He and his team are just a call away to guide you through all your dental needs. Dial (281) 724-4510 to connect with us.
