Gum Grafting Cost
Gum recession is a common problem resulting from periodontal disease, genetics, or even certain medications but can be treated with a gum graft richmond va. When the gum tissue receives, the surface of the tooth root can become exposed and lead to severe sensitivity, route decay, and jaw bone deterioration. Left untreated, gum recession can even leave it to tooth loss.
What is the procedure for a gum graft?
Gum recession will usually be diagnosed by your regular dentist but they may not be able to perform the surgery and may refer you to a periodontist for treatment. The periodontist will evaluate the area and determine if you would benefit from a gum graft.
If they decide you do need a gum graft, treatment will begin with local anesthetic so that you are numb while treatment is being performed. There are a few different types of gum grafts including a free gingival graft, a connective tissue graft, and a pedicle graft. The tissue harvested from a donor or the roof of your mouth is stitched to the affected area.
How much does gum graft surgery cost?
The cost of gum graft surgery can run between $600 and $1200 per tooth. Donor tissue is more expensive than tissue harvested from the patient’s own mouth and if gum contouring is required as well, the overall cost of gum graft surgery can be up to $3000 per tooth.
Possible Additional Costs
Since a periodontist is a specialist, they will likely have a higher fee schedule than your dentist. There is also the likelihood that if you are referred out, the periodontist will need to perform an evaluation of the area before grafting can be done and there will probably be a fee for the evaluation appointment. During the evaluation, the periodontist may need additional x-rays to adequately evaluate the health of your jaw bone and tooth roots. You may expect to pay up to $500 for the evaluation appointment.
How can I lower my out-of-pocket cost of treatment?
If you have dental insurance, it may cover some of the cost of your gum graft surgery if it is deemed medically necessary. You may also be able to take advantage of medical insurance benefits so be sure to look into the details of your plan benefits before your treatment.
Another possible way to lower your overall cost is looking into dental continuing education programs and dental schools. Both of these options need patients, either for students to work on or for live surgeries at educational events. The procedure is always monitored by a trained professional.
Finding the Right Provider for You
If your dentist does not perform gum graft surgery, they will refer you to a trusted periodontist. If you need a doctor in your insurance network, your dental insurance provider website will have a tool to help you locate a doctor. You can also look on the websites for the American Academy of Periodontology and for the American Dental Association to help find a great provider in your area!
More on Gum Grafting : Gum Grafting Recovery Time