Replacing receding gums, typically via gum grafting or the Pinhole Surgical Technique, costs roughly $1,000 to $4,000 per tooth or quadrant, depending on severity, technique (like connective tissue vs. free gingival graft), dentist experience, and location, with some procedures starting lower ($600+) or higher ($5,000-$25,000 for Pinhole across multiple teeth). Insurance might cover part if medically necessary, but often considers it cosmetic, so checking your plan is key.
The cost of gum disease treatment in Australia varies based on the severity of the condition and the type of treatment required. Basic treatments like professional cleaning and scaling can cost from $1,000. More advanced treatments, such as surgical procedures, can range from AUD $1,000 to $3,000.
Key Takeaways. The cost of gum grafting varies based on the type of graft, the number of teeth treated, the severity of gum recession, and any additional dental work needed, with costs typically ranging between $600 and $3,000.
Gum grafting can help to cover up exposed roots and improve the appearance of your smile. To protect your teeth from further damage: When gum tissue starts to recede, it can leave them vulnerable to further damage. Bacteria can build up in the exposed areas and cause tooth decay or infection.
Composite Fillings. Composite resins are an alternative to gum grafting. They're often used to fill caries in the back teeth and can be adhered to the surface of the root and tooth. This will reduce sensitivity and prevent decay.
In these cases, gum-coloured resins can be used in combination with tooth-coloured resins to cover the exposed roots and restore lost tissue so the gum tissue looks to be complete. An aesthetically pleasing result can be achieved when skilled aesthetic dentists like those here at Smile Stories undertake this procedure.
Signs that It May Be Too Late for Gum Grafting
When the bone supporting teeth has diminished significantly, grafts may not hold. Teeth may become loose or shift, further complicating treatment. Visible root surfaces that have become worn, decayed, or sensitive for long periods might not benefit fully from grafting.
You can expect the gum graft procedure to be relatively painless, as you will be under local anesthesia. Any discomfort you may feel is typically limited to pressure or movement, rather than sharp pain.
Instead of cutting or stitching, your dentist makes a tiny pinhole in your gum. Special tools are then used through this pinhole to loosen and reposition your gum tissue gently. There is no cutting, stitching, or need for grafts, which means less pain, less swelling, and a faster recovery.
How long do the results of gum grafting last? With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups, gum grafting results can last many years and often provide permanent protection and cosmetic improvement.
In this case, the treatment involves carefully lifting the gum with a flap technique and placing a connective tissue graft taken from the patient's palate underneath it. The gum is then repositioned to cover the exposed root, promoting natural healing and improving gum thickness and appearance.
Will Gum Grafting Change the Way My Smile Looks? Yes. Gum grafting often improves smile balance by restoring the natural shape of your gum line. Many patients feel their gums look fuller and healthier after the graft heals.
The "dentist 2 year rule" refers to two main concepts: the 2-2-2 oral hygiene rule (brush 2x/day for 2 mins, see dentist 2x/year) or the Australian Child Dental Benefits Schedule, a government program providing benefits for eligible children over a 2-year period. For general adults, the actual recommended checkup interval varies, but 1-2 years is common for healthy patients, while high-risk individuals need more frequent visits.
Many dental insurance policies cover at least part of the cost of medically necessary gum graft procedures since they may be required to stop further gum recession. Failing to stop gum recession can lead to downsides like: Higher risk of decay. Potential tooth loss.
No, Medicare Australia generally does not cover dental implants as they are considered elective or cosmetic, not medically necessary, though very rare exceptions exist for complex medical conditions, trauma, or chronic disease management plans. Private health insurance with extras cover or specific government programs for certain groups (like children via CDBS, or veterans/seniors through other schemes) are the primary ways to get financial help for dental implants in Australia, requiring you to check your policy for major dental coverage, waiting periods, and gaps.
For most periodontal treatments, including gum grafting or pocket reduction surgery, a local anesthetic is enough to prevent pain during the procedure. You'll remain fully awake but won't feel anything in the treated area. This approach allows for quicker recovery and fewer risks compared to deeper sedation.
Root Canal Therapy
Root canals are famous for being one of the most feared dental procedures. The treatment involves removing infected pulp from inside the tooth to save it from extraction. Why It Hurts: Infection or inflammation in the tooth can amplify pain.
Receding gums won't grow back because gum tissue doesn't regenerate like many other tissues in the body. And while receding gums can increase your risk of tooth decay, they are often the sign of a more serious oral health condition.
Advanced Periodontitis (Stage 4): The most severe stage marked by significant bone loss, deep pockets, and tooth mobility. Advanced cases may necessitate tooth extraction, involving surgical procedures.
Tooth longevity with gum disease largely depends on how far the gums have receded and the extent of accompanying bone loss. Teeth typically become loose and fall out when gum recession reaches 5mm or more, combined with periodontal deterioration.
15 Foods to Avoid with Receding Gums
There needs to be enough good quality jaw bone and gums to create a solid foundation for the procedure to be successful. If you have some gum recession you might be wondering, can you have dental implants with receding gums? The good news is, the answer is yes. In most cases, you can still have dental implants.
A tooth might be too far gone if: The decay has destroyed most of the tooth structure. There's a severe fracture below the gumline. Bone loss has left the tooth without support.