How Much Does Gum Surgery Cost without Insurance?

Gum or Periodontal surgery is typically done to treat damage from gum disease or as a cosmetic to get rid of excess gum covering the teeth– also known as a gummy smile. Several types of gum surgery can be performed, with gum graft surgery being the most common. Without insurance, a gum graft can cost between $600 and $1,200 for a small area around a tooth. 

Cost of Gum Grafting  

Gum Surgery can be costly without insurance coverage. Before the procedure, your periodontist typically requests x-rays and an in-office exam to assess your condition's severity; without insurance, this can range between $250 and $500. 

To perform gum grafting on one tooth or a small recession area, the cost of gum grafting can cost anywhere between $600 and $1200. If you have multiple teeth that are affected by gum recession, your periodontist might recommend finding donor tissue to cover the area, which can create additional costs. 

The second component of gum grafting is gum trimming or gum contouring to make the area look more natural and aesthetically pleasing. This can be performed at the same time as the gum grafting and will raise your total cost per tooth to about $3,000. 

Does Insurance Typically Cover Gum Surgery?  

Generally speaking, gum surgery is typically covered by insurance. However, each plan will vary regarding the copay amount that patients are responsible for. If you do not have dental insurance, there are other payment options that can ease the financial burden. Some periodontitis offers a monthly payment plan that allows you to break up the total cost of treatment over a set period of time; typically, the actual procedure will be eligible for a payment plan, but preemptive x-rays and follow-up appointments will not be eligible.