Receding Gums: Treatment Options and Cost

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Prices checked October 22, 2026. By Lorenzo Beux.

Short answer: A gum graft costs $600 to $1,570 per site in the US, with a national average of $920. Each site is billed separately, so two sites average about $1,840. If gum disease is behind the recession, a deep cleaning ($335 per quadrant on average) usually comes first. Insurance often pays 50% for medically necessary grafts.

Dental savings plans are not insurance. A plan gives you discounts only at participating dentists. It does not pay the dentist for you, and you pay for all services at the discounted rate. Prices, discounts and dentists vary by plan and ZIP code.

Compare dental savings plans and what you would pay

Receding gums treatment prices

TreatmentCodeTypical US price
Gum graft, per siteD4270$600–$1,570, average $920
Gum grafts, two sites2 × D4270About $1,200–$3,140, average $1,840
Deep cleaning, per quadrant (if gum disease is present)D4341$220–$570, average $335
Regular adult cleaningD1110$100–$265, average $155
Source: Pearl national averages from ADA fee survey data (May 2026). Two-site figures are our math.

We could not verify national prices for desensitizing treatments or bonding over exposed roots. Ask your dentist for a written quote.

What receding gums are and why they matter

Gum recession is when gum tissue pulls away from the teeth and exposes the roots. Cleveland Clinic says it cannot be reversed, but treatment can stop it from getting worse. It is common with age. About 88% of people over 65 have recession on at least one tooth, per Cleveland Clinic.

Common causes include:

  • Brushing too hard
  • Plaque, tartar and gum disease
  • Injury to the gums
  • Misaligned teeth, tobacco use, and lip or tongue piercings
  • Naturally thin gum tissue, which often runs in families

Signs include teeth that look longer, sensitivity to hot, cold or sweets, and discomfort near the gumline. Left alone, it can lead to bone loss and loose teeth.

Treatment options

Nonsurgical options

  • Deep cleaning. If gum disease is a cause, scaling and root planing removes bacteria below the gumline. See our deep cleaning cost guide.
  • Desensitizing. Dentists can apply fluoride varnish. Cleveland Clinic notes desensitizing toothpaste may take several weeks to help.
  • Bonding. Tooth-colored resin can cover exposed roots.
  • Orthodontics. Moving crooked teeth can help the gum margin over time.

Gum graft surgery

Cleveland Clinic calls gum grafting the most predictable and long-lasting option. The American Academy of Periodontology explains that tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or a donor source. It is placed over the exposed root. Grafting can reduce sensitivity and help prevent more recession and bone loss.

Pearl lists three graft types: your own tissue from the palate, donor tissue, and synthetic material. Grafts from your own palate are typically the most expensive. They also have the highest success rates.

Which option fits

Your dentist chooses based on how much root is exposed and what is causing it. Desensitizing care mainly eases sensitivity. Bonding uses the same tooth-colored resin as white fillings; see filling costs for a sense of that work. A graft is the option that covers the root with new tissue. Your dentist may refer you to a periodontist for that decision. Ask what happens if you wait, and what each option costs in writing.

What raises or lowers the price

  • Number of sites. Each site is billed separately.
  • Graft type. Tissue from your own palate typically costs the most.
  • Who does it. Periodontists typically charge more than general dentists, but do far more grafts.
  • Sedation and imaging. Local numbing is usually included. Sedation is billed separately.
  • Gum disease treatment first. A deep cleaning may be needed before grafting.

With dental insurance

Many plans pay 100% for preventive, 80% for basic and 50% for major work. Pearl says most PPO plans pay 50% for medically necessary grafts after the deductible. Grafting done purely for looks may not be covered. Pre-authorization is sometimes required.

Check your yearly maximum. ADA News reports that 32.8% of plans cap at $1,000 to $1,500 a year. Waiting periods for major work are often 6 or 12 months. Read more in our insurance guide and plans with no waiting period.

With a dental savings plan

A savings plan gives set prices at participating dentists for a yearly fee. There is no yearly maximum and no waiting period once active. The sample fee lists we checked do not show a gum graft fee (D4270). They do show related care. On Aetna Dental Access ($154.95 a year plus $20 setup), deep cleaning drops from $362 to $167 per quadrant. A regular cleaning drops from $137 to $58.

Before you join, ask the plan or the dentist for the D4270 fee. Compare plans in the best dental savings plans and savings plan vs insurance.

Worked example: grafts on two teeth

  • No coverage: 2 × $920 = $1,840 at the national average.
  • Insurance at 50%, assuming a $50 deductible: you pay $50 plus half of $1,790, or $945. The plan pays $895, which counts toward your yearly maximum.
  • If you also need two quadrants of deep cleaning first: add 2 × $335 = $670 at the average without coverage.

Ways to pay less

  • Catch recession early. Cleveland Clinic says early treatment gives a better chance of keeping your gums healthy.
  • Get a written estimate per site, with sedation listed separately.
  • Get a second opinion if several sites are planned.
  • Ask a dental school with a periodontics program about reduced fees.
  • Check community health centers. See free and low-cost dental care.
  • Ask about the cash price and an in-office payment plan. Read the terms on any medical credit card.
  • Time treatment across plan years if your yearly maximum is low.

When to see a dentist

Call your dentist if more of a tooth root is showing or your teeth feel more sensitive, even without pain. See a dentist right away for bleeding, swelling or loose teeth. Read what bleeding gums can mean and gum disease treatment costs.

FAQ

How much does a gum graft cost?

Pearl’s national average is $920 per site, with a range of $600 to $1,570. Grafts on several teeth cost more.

Can receding gums grow back?

No. Cleveland Clinic says receding gums do not grow back. Treatment can stop them from getting worse, and a graft can cover exposed roots.

Does insurance cover gum grafts?

Often at 50% when medically necessary, per Pearl. Cosmetic grafts may not be covered. The cost counts toward your yearly maximum.

How long is recovery after a gum graft?

Cleveland Clinic says most people feel back to normal in about two weeks. Pearl says the graft fully settles in over 4 to 6 weeks. Your dentist will give you care instructions.

Is a periodontist more expensive?

Pearl says periodontists typically charge more, but they have far more experience with grafts.

Can I stop recession at home?

You can lower the risk. Brush gently with a soft brush, floss daily and avoid tobacco. Home care does not rebuild lost gum, so see a dentist for existing recession.

More cost guides: all dental costs.

Dental savings plans are not insurance. They provide discounts at participating providers. You pay the provider directly at the time of service. Prices vary by provider and ZIP code. This page is for information only and is not dental or financial advice.

Sources

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