How Much Does Gum Surgery Cost in 2026?
Gum surgery costs between $500 and $10,000 in the United States in 2026, with most patients paying $1,500 to $5,000 depending on the type of procedure, the number of teeth involved, and their geographic location. According to data from the American Academy of Periodontology and Fair Health consumer cost databases, the average cost per quadrant for common periodontal surgical procedures ranges from $800 to $3,000.
Gum surgery encompasses a range of procedures designed to treat periodontal disease, correct gum recession, or improve the aesthetics of your smile. The most common types include flap surgery (pocket reduction), gum grafting, gingivectomy, crown lengthening, and laser-assisted procedures like LANAP. Each carries significantly different price tags based on complexity and technique.
Whether your gum surgery is medically necessary or cosmetic plays a major role in both cost and insurance coverage. Understanding the full price picture — including surgeon fees, anesthesia, and follow-up care — helps you plan financially and avoid unexpected bills.
Cost by Type of Gum Surgery
| Procedure Type | Average Cost | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| Gingivectomy (per quadrant) | $800 | $500 – $1,500 |
| Flap Surgery / Pocket Reduction (per quadrant) | $1,500 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Gum Graft — Connective Tissue (per tooth) | $900 | $600 – $1,500 |
| Gum Graft — Alloderm/Donor Tissue (per tooth) | $1,100 | $800 – $1,800 |
| Crown Lengthening (per tooth) | $1,200 | $800 – $2,000 |
| LANAP Laser Surgery (full mouth) | $5,000 | $3,500 – $8,000 |
| Guided Tissue Regeneration (per site) | $1,800 | $1,000 – $3,500 |
| Pinhole Surgical Technique (per arch) | $3,000 | $2,000 – $5,000 |
Full-mouth procedures involving multiple quadrants or extensive grafting can push total costs to $8,000 to $10,000 or more. Single-tooth or single-site procedures are significantly less expensive and may fall under $1,000.
Gum Surgery Cost by State
Geographic location is one of the largest cost drivers for gum surgery. Metropolitan areas and states with higher costs of living consistently charge more for periodontal procedures.
| State | Average Cost (per quadrant) | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| California | $2,000 | $1,200 – $3,500 |
| New York | $2,100 | $1,300 – $3,800 |
| Texas | $1,500 | $900 – $2,800 |
| Florida | $1,600 | $1,000 – $2,900 |
| Illinois | $1,700 | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Pennsylvania | $1,500 | $900 – $2,700 |
| Ohio | $1,300 | $800 – $2,400 |
| Georgia | $1,400 | $850 – $2,600 |
| North Carolina | $1,350 | $800 – $2,500 |
| Arizona | $1,450 | $900 – $2,600 |
| Colorado | $1,550 | $950 – $2,800 |
| Washington | $1,800 | $1,100 – $3,200 |
Insurance vs. No Insurance
Insurance coverage for gum surgery varies significantly based on whether the procedure is medically necessary. Most dental plans classify periodontal surgery as a major procedure subject to higher cost-sharing.
| Coverage Type | Typical Patient Cost | What's Covered |
|---|---|---|
| Private Dental Insurance | $500 – $3,000 | 50%–80% of medically necessary procedures after deductible; annual max of $1,500–$2,500 applies |
| Medicare (Original) | $1,500 – $10,000 (full cost) | Not covered under Parts A or B; some Medicare Advantage plans include dental benefits |
| Medicaid | $0 – $500 | Coverage varies by state; many states cover medically necessary periodontal surgery for adults |
| No Insurance | $1,000 – $10,000 | Patient pays full cost; cash discounts of 10%–20% often available |
To qualify for insurance coverage, your periodontist typically needs to document clinical attachment loss, pocket depths of 5mm or greater, and evidence that non-surgical treatments (scaling and root planing) were attempted first. Cosmetic gum procedures are almost never covered.
Cost Breakdown: What's Included
The total cost of gum surgery includes several components beyond the surgical procedure itself. Understanding each line item helps you evaluate quotes accurately.
- Periodontist's surgical fee: $500 – $5,000 (the largest component, varies by procedure complexity)
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, CT scan): $100 – $500
- Local anesthesia: Typically included in the surgical fee
- IV sedation or general anesthesia (if requested): $200 – $800
- Graft material (Alloderm, collagen membrane): $200 – $1,000 per site
- Prescription medications (antibiotics, pain relief, medicated rinse): $30 – $150
- Follow-up visits (1–3 appointments): $75 – $200 each, sometimes included
- Periodontal maintenance cleanings (post-surgery): $150 – $350 per visit, typically every 3 months
Factors That Affect Gum Surgery Cost
Type and Complexity of Procedure
A simple gingivectomy on a single tooth costs a fraction of full-mouth LANAP laser treatment or guided tissue regeneration with bone grafting. Procedures requiring donor tissue or synthetic membranes add significant material costs.
Number of Teeth or Quadrants Treated
Most periodontal procedures are priced per tooth, per site, or per quadrant. Treating a single area of recession costs $600 to $1,500, while full-mouth treatment across all four quadrants can multiply that cost by four or more.
Geographic Location
Periodontists in New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles charge 30% to 50% more than those in mid-sized cities in the South or Midwest. Rural areas tend to have fewer specialists, which can either raise prices due to limited competition or lower them due to reduced overhead.
Periodontist's Experience and Credentials
Board-certified periodontists with advanced training in microsurgery or laser techniques typically charge premium fees. However, their expertise often translates to better outcomes and fewer complications, potentially saving money long-term.
Facility Type
Most gum surgeries are performed in the periodontist's office under local anesthesia, which is the most cost-effective setting. Procedures performed in ambulatory surgery centers or hospitals under general anesthesia incur additional facility and anesthesia fees of $500 to $2,000.
Technology Used
Laser-assisted procedures (LANAP, LAPIP) use specialized equipment that increases the per-procedure cost by $1,000 to $3,000 compared to traditional scalpel-based surgery. However, patients often experience faster recovery and less post-operative discomfort.
How to Save Money on Gum Surgery
- Get multiple quotes from different periodontists. Prices can vary by 30% to 50% within the same city. Request itemized estimates from at least three providers before committing.
- Ask about cash-pay discounts. Many periodontists offer 10% to 20% discounts for patients who pay the full amount upfront without insurance billing, saving you $200 to $1,000.
- Consider a dental school. University periodontal residency programs offer supervised gum surgery at 30% to 60% below private practice rates. Quality is closely monitored by experienced faculty.
- Maximize your insurance benefits strategically. If you need full-mouth treatment, schedule procedures across two calendar years to take advantage of two annual maximums, potentially doubling your coverage.
- Use your HSA or FSA funds. Gum surgery qualifies as an eligible medical expense under Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts, allowing you to pay with pre-tax dollars and save 20% to 35% on your effective cost.
- Explore dental discount plans. Organizations like DentalPlans.com offer membership discount plans that provide 20% to 50% off periodontal procedures for an annual fee of $80 to $200.
- Negotiate a payment plan directly with your periodontist. Many practices offer in-house financing with zero interest for 6 to 12 months, avoiding the interest charges that come with credit cards or medical loans.
Financing Options for Gum Surgery
| Option | Details | Typical Terms |
|---|---|---|
| In-Office Payment Plans | Many periodontists split costs into 2–6 monthly payments | 0% interest; no credit check required at most offices |
| CareCredit | Medical credit card accepted by most dental specialists | 0% APR for 6–24 months; 26.99% deferred interest if not paid in full |
| Proceed Finance / LendingClub | Third-party patient financing with fixed monthly payments | APR 7.99%–28.99%; terms of 24–84 months |
| HSA / FSA | Pre-tax healthcare dollars for qualifying medical expenses | Saves 20%–35% based on your tax bracket; FSA funds must be used by year-end |
| Personal Loan | Unsecured loan from bank or online lender | APR 6%–36%; terms of 12–60 months; based on credit score |
| Dental Discount Plans | Membership plans offering reduced fees (not insurance) | $80–$200/year; 20%–50% off listed fees at participating providers |
Pro Tips from Dental Experts
Don't delay treatment to save money. Periodontal disease is progressive. A $1,500 pocket reduction surgery today can prevent $5,000 to $15,000 in dental implants and bone grafting later. Early intervention is always the most cost-effective approach.
Ask your periodontist about staging treatment. If you need full-mouth surgery, most insurance plans allow you to treat two quadrants at a time across separate benefit years. This strategy can effectively double your insurance coverage for the same treatment plan.
Request a pre-authorization from your insurance company. Before scheduling surgery, have your periodontist submit a pre-treatment estimate with X-rays and periodontal charting. This eliminates surprises and gives you a written commitment of what your plan will pay.
Invest in periodontal maintenance after surgery. The $150 to $350 you spend on quarterly periodontal maintenance cleanings protects your surgical investment and dramatically reduces the chance of needing repeat procedures. Skipping maintenance is the most common reason gum surgery results deteriorate.