Gum Grafting Cost
Over time, gums can recede due to overaggressive brushing techniques, disease, or being genetically predisposed to having thin gum tissue. Once the gum tissue recedes, the tooth root can be exposed leading to sensitivity issues from hot or cold foods and drinks. In addition to helping to restore appearances, a gum grafting dixon illinois procedure can be used to cover the exposed tooth root, improve functionality, and eliminate any sensitivity issues the patient may be experiencing.
Typical Gum Grafting Costs
When done at the base of a single tooth or small area, the cost for a single gum grafting procedure typically costs between $600 and $1,200. The cost incurred by the patient will largely be dependent on the extent of the patient’s gum recession, the rate the dentist or periodontist (gum specialist) charges, and the type of tissue used in the graft. Tissue used in gum grafting procedures can be taken from either the patient’s own mouth or from a tissue bank (tissue taken from a cadaver). While gum grafts that use tissue taken from cadavers are typically more expensive than those using material from the patient’s mouth, some patients may find that the extra cost is offset by the reduced level of discomfort associated with harvesting their own tissue (a single surgical wound vs multiple wounds).
Gum grafting procedures are done on an out-patient basis so no overnight hospitalization costs are incurred. Included in the price of a gum grafting surgery are the costs for the local anesthetic used to numb the area, the cost for the surgery, and placement of sutures in the wound. While not common, if a patient is overly anxious, a mild sedative or general anesthesia may be used which could increase the cost of the procedure.
Additional Costs & Considerations
Often, any gum disease treatment will necessitate an initial diagnostic exam and x-rays. While some providers may include this in the cost of the gum grafting procedures, those that don’t will likely charge an additional $150 to $400.
Depending on the extent of the patient’s gum recession, an additional gum contouring procedure may be needed to trim the gums in order to create a more visually pleasing appearance. Often performed at the same time as the gum graft, a gum contouring procedure will increase overall costs to $1,000-$3,000 per area.
Patients should also consider any dental insurance coverage they have when determining if, and where, they elect to undergo gum grafting. Insurance coverage for gum grafting will vary based on the insurance provider. Some dental plans, such as those that are part of an Affordable Care Act plan, may cover the full cost while other insurance carriers will only cover a portion of the procedure’s cost. And if an insurance plan has restrictions on in vs. out of network providers, that can also influence the cost to the patient.
Finally, patients should realize that in addition to the possibility of a direct out-of-pocket cost involved with the procedure, gum grafting also has a time cost associated with it as well. Patients should expect to need up to a month to fully heal from the surgery before they are able to resume normal eating, brushing, and physical activities.
More on Gum Grafting : Is Gum Grafting Painful?