When gums recede, they don’t grow back on their own.

Luckily, gum graft surgery can help restore a healthy gumline and protect your teeth.

For many patients, the first question isn’t just what the procedure involves but also what it might cost. The cost of gum graft surgery can differ based on the technique used, the amount of tissue needed, and whether donor tissue or your own tissue is used. Understanding the four main types of gum grafts can help you feel more prepared and confident before getting started with treatment.

What is gum grafting, and when is it necessary?

Gum grafting, also called gingival graft surgery, is a dental procedure that replaces missing or receded gum tissue to cover the roots of your teeth. Receding gums can cause tooth sensitivity, increase the risk of decay, and even lead to tooth loss if left untreated. Gum grafts help protect teeth, restore gumline appearance, and reduce sensitivity.1

1. Connective-tissue graft

A connective-tissue graft is one of the most well-known procedures used to treat gum recession. Your periodontist will create a small flap on the roof of your mouth in order to remove connective tissue from beneath the surface. This tissue is placed over the exposed root and stitched into position.2

  • Best For: Covering exposed roots, improving gum thickness, and addressing moderate to severe gum loss.
  • Benefits: High success rate, natural appearance, predictable healing.
  • Considerations: The donor site may be sore during the recovery period since tissue is taken from your palate.

2. Free gingival graft

This procedure is similar to a connective-tissue graft, but it instead uses a thin layer of tissue taken directly from the roof of the mouth without creating a flap.2

  • Best For: People with thin gum tissue who need to build up the gumline to prevent further recession.
  • Benefits: Increases the width of gum tissue, strengthens the area, and provides long-term stability.
  • Considerations: Expect a bit of extra sensitivity at the donor site since a larger spot is involved in the procedure.

3. Pedicle graft

A pedicle graft uses gum tissue from an area right next to the recession. The tissue is partially cut but left attached at one edge, then gently stretched over the exposed root and sutured into place.2

  • Best For: Patients with plenty of healthy gum tissue near the affected area.
  • Benefits: Uses local tissue with good blood supply, which can promote faster healing.
  • Considerations: Not ideal if nearby gum tissue is thin or unhealthy.

4. Donor tissue grafts (Allografts and Xenografts)

Not every gum graft requires using tissue from your own mouth. In some cases, your periodontist may recommend using donor tissue instead. Allografts involve using gum tissue from a carefully screened human donor, which is processed by a tissue bank to ensure it is safe and ready for use. Another option, called a xenograft, uses graft material from another species, most often porcine (pig-derived) or bovine (cow-derived) collagen that has been treated to be biocompatible.3

  • Best for: People who prefer to avoid a second surgical site on the roof of the mouth or who need a larger amount of tissue than can comfortably be taken from their palate.
  • Benefits: These approaches often result in a shorter surgery, less discomfort, and an easier recovery since there’s no need to heal from a donor site in your own mouth.
  • Considerations: Because donor tissue and processing are specialized, these procedures may cost more than other grafting methods. Your periodontist can explain the price difference and help you decide whether this approach is right for you.3

Cost and insurance considerations

Each type of gum graft involves different materials and techniques, so costs can vary. Connective-tissue and free gingival grafts typically cost more because they involve two surgical sites. Pedicle grafts are often less expensive since they use nearby tissue. Donor tissue may carry an additional material cost.

If you have affordable dental insurance, check your plan to see what’s covered. Many plans cover part of gum grafting under periodontal surgery benefits, though you may still be responsible for deductibles or co-pays. Your dentist can help you submit a pre-treatment estimate so you know what to expect financially.

What to expect during recovery

Gum graft procedures usually take around one to two hours, depending on how many teeth are being treated. Your dentist will numb the area with local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Afterward, mild pain or swelling is common but usually manageable with soft foods and prescribed medication. Most people feel much better within two weeks, though a full recovery can take a few months.

The bottom line

Healthy gums do more than make your smile look good — they also help keep your teeth safe for the long run. Of course, before you opt for a certain treatment, you’ll want to spend a bit of time talking through the benefits and drawbacks of each graft option. Once you understand the different types and what they involve, it’ll be that much easier for you and your dentist to choose the approach that’s right for you, your health, and your budget.

Sources:

1 Lagos Periodontics & Dental Implants – Understanding Gum Grafting: Procedure, Benefits, and Recovery. Updated April 28, 2024.  https://www.palmdesertperiodontist.com/blog/understanding-gum-grafting-procedure-benefits-and-recovery/. Accessed October 2, 2025.

2 WebMD – Gum Tissue Grafts. Updated August 4, 2025. https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/gum-tissue-graft-surgery. Accessed October 2, 2025.

3 Complete Smiles – When to Choose Donor Tissue for Gum Grafting. Updated June 11, 2025. https://completesmilesbv.com.au/when-to-choose-donor-tissue-for-gum-grafting/. Accessed October 2, 2025.

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