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 like poor nutrition or dental hygiene. If a non-surgical treatment like the deep teeth cleaning known as scaling and root planing doesn't solve the problem, surgical procedures may be needed.
Typical costs:
If the gums have overgrown the teeth, creating an uneven or "gummy" appearance, gum contouring can cost $50-$350 to remove and reshape the gum around a single tooth. Because the problem is not usually limited to the area around one tooth, costs for reshaping multiple front teeth are typically $1,000-$3,000 or more.
If the gum is receding, leaving the tooth root exposed and possibly sensitive to hot or cold items, a gum tissue graft can cost $600-$1,200 for a single procedure in one specific area. The number of procedures required will depend on how much the gums have receded.
Full mouth periodontal treatment can include a variety of procedures (such as full-mouth disinfection or pocket depth reduction surgery[1] ). The average total cost is $4,000-$6,000 but it can be $8,000-$10,000 or more if the damage is extensive.
Dental insurance usually covers surgical restoration procedures that are considered medically necessary but not those done for cosmetic reasons. However, if the gum surgery is considered a medical procedure, some of the costs may be covered by standard health insurance.
The process of gum repair may be minimal or extensive, depending on the situation. The American Academy of Periodontology provides a detailed overview of gum diseases[2] as well as gum restoration procedures[3] , both non-surgical and surgical.
Additional costs:
Treatment for gum disease usually begins with a periodontal diagnosis exam and x-rays, which can cost an additional $150-$400 if not included in the quoted 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 policies cover exams and X-Rays, but not debridement.
Gum repair is often done in conjunction with procedures like veneers($500-$1,100 per tooth), cosmetic dental bonding($100-$1,000 per tooth) or crowns($500-$3,000 or more per tooth).
If needed, periodontal maintenance procedures can cost $150 -$250 per visit.
Discounts:
Dental school clinics[4] offer reduced rates for services by supervised students or faculty.
The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research lists tips for finding low-cost dental care[5] .
Shopping for gum repair:
If the patient has dental insurance, the insurance company will provide a list of approved dentists and periodontists. Or search for local members of the American Dental Association[6] , American Academy of Periodontology[7] or the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentists[8] .
WedMD lists things to consider when choosing a dentist[9] .
Most dental or periodontal offices will provide financing options varying from a discount for paying the full amount in cash to payment plans to loans from outside financial institutions.
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.
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The Deltona Dental Care office took very good care of me, but close to $5k is a lot of money for someone with limited income. I have no insurance. Be warned, if you don't care for your teeth for a long time you may be without teeth. Also the higher you will pay for not caring for your teeth.
Help! Been trying to find a Periodontis that will fix my tooth for 3 years now! impossible to find a perio who will fix just one tooth. They try to blackmail you into doing more.
I am wondering if the cost was too much because they just took out the gums between my two front teeth to avoid those two front teeth to space out again after i am done with my braces. please let me know
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