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Gum Repair Cost

How Much Does Gum Repair Cost?

Regeneration or Removal: $500-$900 for one area

High: Full Mouth Treatments: $4,000-$6,000+

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Gums can recede or grow over the teeth due to diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, reactions to prescription medications (some cause gum growth) or other factors such as poor nutrition or dental hygiene. Surgical restoration may be needed when non-surgical procedures aren't sufficient. The costs will vary considerably depending on the extent and nature of the damage.

Typical costs:

Fees to remove damaged or excess gum tissue (gingivectomy) and/or contour the remaining gum surface (gingivoplasty) start around $190 -$300 for one tooth and can run $500 -$850 per quadrant (upper right, lower right, upper left, lower left) or $2,000 -$4,000 or more for the whole mouth.
Tissue regeneration or tissue grafts to replace receding gums start around $500 -$900 for a single procedure in one specific area. The number of procedures required will depend on the extent of the gum tissue damage in your mouth.
Full mouth periodontal treatment (which can include a variety of procedures) averages $4,000 -$6,000, but may go as high as $8,000 -$10,000 or more if the damage is extensive. A lot depends on the specific work needed.
Dental insurance usually covers surgical restoration procedures that are considered medically necessary but not those done for cosmetic reasons.

What should be included:

The US Food & Drug Administration gives an overview of gum disease and how to fight it. If the deep teeth cleaning procedure known as Scaling and Root Planing doesn't solve the problem or you've been diagnosed with extensive gum disease, then surgical gum restoration procedures may be the next step. The process may be minimal or extensive, depending on the situation. The American Academy of Periodontology gives a detailed overview of gum diseases as well as potential surgical restoration procedures.

Additional costs:

Treatment for gum disease usually begins with a periodontic diagnosis exam and x-rays which can add an additional $150 -$400 if not included in the total fee.
A full mouth debridement (cleaning away excess buildup so the gums and bones are visible and can be evaluated) at $75 -$150 or more is sometimes needed for new patients who have not had dental treatment for quite awhile. Most dental insurance covers exams and x-rays, but not debridement.
If needed, periodontal maintenance procedures can cost $150 -$250 per visit.

Discounts:

Dental school clinics offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty; check DentalSite.com for a college with a periodontal specialty.
Some dental groups pay partial fees for low-income patients; the American Dental Association lists state associations.

Shopping for gum repair:

Both the American Academy of Periodontology and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists give referrals to their members. If you have dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists and periodontists.

Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always consult your physician or pharmacist regarding medications or medical procedures.

Article updated November 2007