![How Much Does a Gum Graft Cost With and Without Insurance? [2024]](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fee3fd14df42836719a4aa2/64f9006cd1904e27a2ee7fe7_how-much-does-a-gum-graft-cost-with-without-insurance.jpg)
Having perfectly white teeth can boost your confidence in your smile, but teeth color is just one part of the equation. Your gums play a major role in creating a uniform and healthy look.
Receding gums can make your teeth look excessively large and increase the risk of tooth decay and bone loss. Fortunately, there are effective solutions like gum grafts to restore your smile and improve your oral health.
Knowing the costs associated with a gum graft is equally important, especially if you're searching for an affordable way to undergo this procedure. Whether you have dental insurance or are exploring affordable dental financing options, being informed helps you make the best decision for your oral health.
Gum grafts are a type of dental surgery that treats gum recession, which is a condition where the gums pull away from your teeth to expose some of the roots underneath. In addition to making your teeth appear larger, the exposed tooth roots also increase the risk of tooth decay and bone loss around the teeth.
Gum grafting, not to be confused with gum contouring, is a surgery that replaces some of the lost gums to restore the appearance of your teeth and your overall oral health. This is a procedure conducted by a periodontist, or someone who specializes in treating disorders of the gums.
There are four main types of gum grafts your periodontist will recommend, depending on what they observe:
Alloderm grafts: This method uses donated human tissue instead of tissue from the patient's mouth. The donated tissue is processed to remove cells, ensuring it’s safe for use.
The cost of a gum graft depends on several factors, including the extent of the graft area and the number of teeth needing grafts. Typically gum grafts cost $600 to $1,200 per tooth. The good news is that dental insurance usually covers at least part of the cost, as it is a surgical procedure meant to prevent disease. Some insurance companies may even provide full coverage for the surgery.
Additional factors that can influence the cost of a gum graft are:
Gums cannot grow back once they are gone and the exposure can lead to several issues, making gum grafts an important procedure for many patients. Almost 60% of people affected by gum recession are over the age of 65, making it one of the most common dental conditions.
Here are some key reasons why you might need a gum graft:
Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect from consultation to recovery:
You'll first meet with a periodontist for a consultation to assess the health of your teeth and gums. They will check the pockets around your teeth, as inflamed pockets can indicate gum disease. If your pockets measure five millimeters or more, the periodontist may recommend a gum graft.
The procedure typically involves a few key steps. First, local anesthesia is administered to numb the area where the graft will be placed. Some dentists also offer sedatives like nitrous oxide or IV sedation to ensure your comfort.
The periodontist then makes a small incision in your gums to thoroughly clean the exposed roots. Tissue is usually taken from the roof of your mouth to serve as the graft, which is then placed over the exposed roots. Finally, sutures are added to keep the graft in place. The entire surgery generally takes around an hour per tooth, depending on the extent of gum recession.
After the procedure, you’ll have gauze in your mouth to stop any bleeding, which can typically be removed after an hour. Most sutures will fall out on their own, but your periodontist will remove any remaining ones during your follow-up visit.
For the first few days, you’ll likely experience some bleeding and swelling so rest is important. Your diet will likely consist of soft, cool foods like yogurt, smoothies, ice cream, and pudding. Although it might seem counterintuitive, you won’t be able to brush or floss directly on the graft initially. Instead, you might use an antibacterial mouthwash to keep the area clean.
Within about 48 hours, the bleeding should subside, and you can gradually start incorporating soft foods like pasta, fish, cooked vegetables, and soft fruits. Pain management can be handled with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers. Swelling and bruising will typically diminish within the second week after treatment. Once your periodontist gives the all-clear, you can resume your normal brushing and flossing routine and return to your usual diet.
Luckily, there are many ways to pay for gum grafts and other dental procedures, whether you have dental coverage or not.
Dental insurance often covers part or all of the cost of the procedure if it is deemed medically necessary to prevent further oral health issues.
However, even though insurance covers a portion of the cost, many users still choose Flossy to help reduce their out-of-pocket expenses. By using Flossy, you can access lower rates for dental procedures. This is particularly valuable when unexpected expenses arise, and you want to minimize your overall costs.
Dental financing plans often come in the form of medical loans, dental credit cards, or even grants designed to cover medical costs. These options allow you to spread out the cost of your procedure over several months or years, making it easier to fit into your budget.
Some plans may offer low or even zero interest rates, depending on your credit score and the terms of the loan or credit card.
You can significantly reduce your risk of gum recession by:
While some people live long, healthy lives with gum recession, others may experience tooth sensitivity or a decrease in confidence due to the appearance of their teeth. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to speak with a dental professional.
Yes, a gum graft is often covered by dental insurance, especially if it is considered medically necessary to prevent further oral health issues. Insurance plans typically cover part or all of the procedure's cost.
It’s important to check with your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage and any out-of-pocket expenses you might incur. If your insurance only covers a portion of the cost, using a discount plan can help you get the best price on the entire procedure, allowing you to get treatment while managing expenses more effectively.
Yes, a gum graft can be a worthwhile investment because it helps protect your teeth from further damage, reduces tooth sensitivity, and improves the aesthetic appearance of your smile. While the cost can be a consideration, the benefits of preventing more serious dental issues, like tooth decay and bone loss, make it a valuable procedure.
Consulting with your periodontist will help you understand the potential benefits and costs, allowing you to make an informed decision.
Now that you know how beneficial gum grafts can be for treating receding gums and improving your oral health, you're ready to take the next step toward a healthier smile. While the procedure can be costly, there are ways to make it more affordable and accessible so you never have to be scared going into a dental exam.
Sources:
