Gum Graft Surgery Cost: Types, Pricing, and Coverage

Gum graft surgery costs $600 to $1,200 per tooth for a connective tissue graft, the most common type. Multi-tooth treatment areas typically cost $1,500 to $3,000. The total depends on the graft type, the number of teeth involved, and whether donor tissue from a tissue bank is used. Most dental insurance plans cover gum grafting when it is medically necessary to protect exposed root surfaces.

4 min readMedically reviewed contentLast updated March 26, 2026

Key Takeaways

Connective tissue grafts (the most common type) cost $600 to $1,200 per tooth.
Free gingival grafts cost $500 to $1,000 per tooth.
The pinhole surgical technique costs $800 to $1,500 per tooth.
AlloDerm or similar donor tissue products add $200 to $500 per treatment area but eliminate the palatal donor site.
Multi-tooth grafting areas cost $1,500 to $3,000, with per-tooth costs decreasing for adjacent teeth.
Most dental insurance covers gum grafting at 50% to 80% when medically necessary.

Cost by Gum Graft Type

The cost of gum graft surgery depends primarily on the grafting technique used and the number of teeth affected.

Connective Tissue Graft

The connective tissue graft is the most commonly performed gum graft. Tissue is taken from under a flap of skin on the roof of the mouth and stitched over the exposed root area. This technique costs $600 to $1,200 per tooth. It provides excellent root coverage and blends well with surrounding gum tissue. When multiple adjacent teeth need grafting, the per-tooth cost typically decreases because a single donor site can serve multiple recipient sites.

Free Gingival Graft

A free gingival graft takes tissue directly from the surface of the palate (rather than from under a flap) and places it at the gum recession site. This costs $500 to $1,000 per tooth. It is primarily used to add thickness to thin gum tissue rather than to cover exposed roots. The tissue color may not match as closely as a connective tissue graft.

Pinhole Surgical Technique

The pinhole surgical technique (PST) is a minimally invasive approach that does not require a palatal donor site or sutures at the graft site. Through a small pinhole in the gum, the existing tissue is loosened and repositioned to cover the exposed root. Collagen strips are placed to stabilize the tissue. This costs $800 to $1,500 per tooth. The technique offers faster recovery but is not suitable for all cases, and not all periodontists are trained in PST.

Donor Tissue (AlloDerm) vs Your Own Tissue

Some gum graft procedures use processed donor tissue (such as AlloDerm) instead of tissue from your own palate. This eliminates the palatal wound and the associated discomfort during healing. AlloDerm or similar products add $200 to $500 per treatment area to the procedure cost.

The results with donor tissue are comparable to autograft (your own tissue) in many studies, though some periodontists prefer autograft for its slightly higher success rate in certain situations. Discuss both options with your periodontist to determine which is best for your case.

Insurance Coverage for Gum Grafting

Most dental insurance plans cover gum grafting at 50% to 80% when it is performed for a medical reason (to protect exposed roots from decay or sensitivity, or to prevent further recession that could lead to tooth loss). Some plans classify gum grafting as cosmetic if the recession is mild and the teeth are not at risk, which may result in reduced or no coverage.

Request a pre-treatment estimate from your insurance before scheduling the procedure. If your plan denies coverage as cosmetic, your periodontist can submit a letter of medical necessity explaining why the procedure is needed to protect your dental health.

Recovery and Follow-Up Costs

Post-surgical follow-up visits are typically included in the surgical fee. You may need a prescription pain medication ($10 to $30), antibiotics ($10 to $50), and a special mouth rinse ($15 to $30). Soft-food diet requirements for 1 to 2 weeks are an indirect cost to plan for.

Follow-up appointments at 1 week, 2 weeks, and 4 to 6 weeks after surgery monitor healing and are usually included in the surgical fee. If a second grafting procedure is needed (uncommon but possible for extensive recession), it adds another surgical fee.

Find a Periodontist for Gum Grafting

A periodontist can evaluate your gum recession and recommend the most appropriate grafting technique for your situation. Search by location on My Specialty Dentist to find periodontists in your area.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does gum graft surgery cost per tooth?

Connective tissue grafts cost $600 to $1,200 per tooth. Free gingival grafts cost $500 to $1,000 per tooth. The pinhole technique costs $800 to $1,500 per tooth. When multiple adjacent teeth are treated together, the per-tooth cost typically decreases.

Does insurance cover gum graft surgery?

Most dental insurance plans cover gum grafting at 50% to 80% when it is medically necessary. Some plans may classify mild recession as cosmetic. Your periodontist can submit documentation of medical necessity to support your claim.

Is gum graft surgery painful?

The procedure itself is performed under local anesthesia and is not painful. Post-surgical discomfort is moderate for most patients and typically managed with over-the-counter or prescription pain medication for 3 to 7 days. The palatal donor site (where tissue is taken) is usually the most uncomfortable area during healing.

How long does recovery take after gum grafting?

Most patients return to normal activities within 2 to 3 days. Soft food is recommended for 1 to 2 weeks. Full healing of the graft site takes 4 to 8 weeks. The palatal donor site heals within 2 to 4 weeks. Your periodontist will provide specific recovery instructions.

Can I get multiple teeth grafted at once?

Yes. Multiple adjacent teeth are commonly grafted in one procedure. This is actually more efficient and cost-effective than treating each tooth separately. Your periodontist will determine how many teeth can be treated in one session based on the extent of recession and the available donor tissue.

Is the pinhole technique cheaper than traditional grafting?

The pinhole technique typically costs more per tooth ($800 to $1,500) than traditional connective tissue grafting ($600 to $1,200). However, it may cost less when treating multiple teeth because it does not require a donor site. Recovery is also faster, which may reduce indirect costs like time off work.