Was told I need gum graft

[Josta]

I got my bottom braces on two days ago and my orthodontist told me that I would 100% need a gum graft from a periodontist on one of my bottom canines and possibly on the other one. So I am supposed to get this done within the month before I go back for my next appointment.

Does anyone know if this is usually mostly covered by dental insurances? I'm not sure how much it would cost if it isn't covered but I'm sure it can't be cheap, and I don't know if I could even afford it since I am already paying a massive amount out of pocket for the braces alone.

[Lunarpark]

I had seven teeth grafted before my braces could be put on. It cost me $800 per tooth and my insurance did cover part of it. You would need to check your dental plan. I used my own tissue on the top five teeth but opted for the donor tissue on the bottom teeth. The donor tissue was not covered (about $100).

[farmboy]

A few years ago, I had a graft done along my four front lower teeth.

Unfortunately, it's not cheap, but I think most insurers are more likely to cover gum grafts than orthodontic work.

My insurance (Delta Dental of California) paid a portion, 50 percent if I remember correctly. If you have a flex spending account, you can use that for the remainder of the cost.

Good luck!

[sirwired]

I've had several grafts; you'll just have to ask during your consult (which will not be free, unlike ortho) how much the particular graft you need will cost; there are several different types.

Pro tip: And see if you can get your Rx for your pain meds and Peridex when you schedule your graft; it's no fun racing against the anesthetic wearing off to pick up your meds. I usually needed one or two doses of pain meds after every graft.