Periodontics · Gum Grafting · National Cost

How much does a gum graft cost?

Average Gum Grafting cost in the US: $600-$1,570

🏥 Based on ADA fee survey data
📊 Population-weighted national average
🔄 Updated May 2026
✓ Reviewed by Pearl clinical team
$600 – $1570

Typical Gum Grafting range across the United States

📍 All 50 states covered 🏥 PPO typically covers up to ortho max

National average

$920

Gum Grafting · D4270

What is this procedure?

About this procedure

A gum graft is a surgical procedure to restore gum tissue lost to recession. The periodontist or oral surgeon takes tissue from the roof of the mouth (autograft), uses donor tissue (allograft), or synthetic material, and grafts it onto the area of recession. Gum grafting covers exposed tooth roots, prevents further recession, reduces sensitivity, and can improve the appearance of the smile.

Treatment is typically completed in a single visit per site, with healing taking 2–4 weeks. Multiple grafts may be staged across visits if many teeth are affected. Gum grafting is most commonly performed by periodontists, though some general dentists and oral surgeons also perform the procedure.

Price factors

What affects this cost?

  • Graft type: Autografts (using tissue from your own palate) are typically most expensive but have the highest success rates. Allografts (donor tissue) and synthetic options are less expensive but may have shorter lifespan.
  • Number of teeth: Each site is billed separately. Multi-tooth grafts cost more.
  • Periodontist vs. general dentist: Periodontists typically charge more, but their experience with grafts is significantly greater.
  • Imaging: Some cases require detailed imaging or planning that's separately billed.
  • Sedation: Local anesthesia is usually included; sedation is separate.

By state

Where does this cost the most and least?

Pearl tracks pricing across all 50 states. Below are the highest and lowest cost markets — click any state for a full state-level cost breakdown across covered cities.

Highest cost states

Lowest cost states

Quote checker

What should your quote include?

Different providers bundle costs differently. Here's what a complete quote typically covers — and what's often left out.

USUALLY INCLUDED IN THE QUOTED PRICE

  • Local anesthesia
  • Graft harvest (if autograft)
  • Surgical placement of graft material
  • Sutures
  • Post-op instructions
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

OFTEN BILLED SEPARATELY — ASK BEFORE YOU AGREE

  • Sedation beyond local anesthesia
  • Multiple grafts at separate visits
  • Replacement graft if the original fails
  • Gum surgery on additional teeth
  • Cone-beam CT or specialized imaging if used

Health stakes

What happens if you delay treatment?

  • Gum recession typically progresses without intervention
  • Exposed roots are vulnerable to decay (root caries) and sensitivity
  • Severe recession can lead to tooth mobility and eventual loss
  • Late-stage cases require more grafting and have lower success rates
  • Bone loss often follows gum recession in advanced cases

Before you agree

Questions to ask your provider

  • What graft material are you using, and why?
  • How many sites need grafting, and what's the per-site fee?
  • What's the expected success rate for my case?
  • What's the recovery timeline?
  • Will the graft match the color and texture of my existing gums?

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Most PPO plans cover medically necessary gum grafting at 50% after the deductible, up to the annual maximum. Cosmetic gum grafting (purely for appearance) may not be covered. Pre-authorization is sometimes required.
Initial healing takes 2–3 weeks; the graft fully integrates over 4–6 weeks. Most patients can return to normal activities the next day, with soft food only for the first week or two and avoiding the surgical site when brushing.
A successful gum graft typically lasts decades, but some recession can recur over very long timeframes, especially if the underlying causes (aggressive brushing, grinding, gum disease) aren't addressed.
Mild recession without symptoms or further progression sometimes doesn't need intervention. Moderate or advancing recession, sensitivity, root exposure, or aesthetic concerns are reasons to consider grafting. A second opinion is reasonable, especially before a multi-tooth treatment plan.
An autograft uses tissue from your own mouth (usually the palate) — best long-term results but two surgical sites. An allograft uses processed donor tissue — single surgical site, slightly lower predictability. Synthetic grafts use lab-made material — least invasive, with results that vary by case. Your periodontist can advise based on your specific situation.

See local pricing

Compare what this costs in your city.

Pearl's cost data covers 485 U.S. cities. Search by procedure and zip — get a localized fee range and what to expect from your insurance.

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