Gum Grafting Costs

There are a variety of contributing factors that make up a gum grafting procedure. These factors start with your age, the current condition of your soft tissue, the depth of your gum recession that needs attention with surgical gum grafting, and the number of teeth involved. Before your costs can be identified, you should first understand the actual gum grafting procedure and why you might consider the treatment.

What Causes the Need for Gum Grafting?

Gum recession is a common and frequently occurring oral health issue increasing with aging. It can accelerate with smoking or even simply brushing too aggressively with a stiff-bristled toothbrush. It can be affected by your genetics or if you have been diagnosed with diabetes. Periodontal or gum disease is a primary contributor, which is quite often the result of poor oral hygiene at home. Around 12% of American adults currently are subjected to gum recession. It affects the perceived value of your natural smile and will also impact the health of the teeth involved, exposing roots, which will result in bone loss, then tooth loss.

The Gum Grafting Procedure

There are areas on your palate, or the roof of your mouth, that your periodontist will usually use as a donor source for your transplant soft tissue. This tissue is delicately removed and then surgically relocated to the area in need of restoration.

The Many Factors Affecting Gum Grafting Costs

The cost of this periodontal surgery can range from as little as $500 to $10,000. An extremely wide range. With that range having been identified, an ordinary gum graft should cost from $600 to $1,200. Factors start with X-rays and the extent of your periodontal diagnosis. The next factor is whether any anesthesia is necessary. Will the application of a local anesthetic be sufficient, or is there a need for something more extensive? Where on your palate or roof is the best source for your donor tissue? Tissue is available from a tissue bank but can add to the cost. The actual location of the grafting is yet another factor. Is the gum grafting treatment at the front or the back of your mouth? A location at the back of your mouth will add time and difficulty. Is the graft being used on just one exposed tooth root, or are there several teeth in need? More roots, more time, more tissue, more sutures, and more costs. The baseline cost for gum grafting will also likely be higher on either coast versus in the Midwest.

The Benefits of Gum Grafting

Before you agree to the treatment, make sure that you have investigated all alternatives. There are two objectives with gum grafting: the visual perception of your smile and the continued health of your teeth and gums. If your gum recession is not severe, you might consider gum contouring. This simple and easy procedure will aesthetically balance the ratio of your gums to your teeth. You might consider scaling and planning of your roots. The removal of the damaging plaque and tartar will allow your gums to heal naturally on their own before any invasive treatment. Your smile is an invaluable asset to your quality of life. Take care of your smile.

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