Gum Graft Cost in Canada (2026)
A gum graft in Canada costs approximately $600–$1,200 per site as a 2026 market estimate from Canadian periodontal clinics. Deep cleaning (scaling/root planing), the non-surgical precursor, runs $50–$87 per unit from our provincial dataset. The CDCP covers scaling up to 4 units per year — it does not cover gum grafts.
Estimate your CDCP out-of-pocket for deep cleaning
Scaling and root planing is covered by the CDCP for patients aged 17 and older, up to 4 units per 12-month period without pre-authorization. Select your province and income tier to estimate your out-of-pocket cost for deep cleaning under the 2026 CDCP Dental Benefit Grids.
Deep Cleaning CDCP Out-of-Pocket Calculator
Scaling/root planing — 4 units per 12 months covered • Province × income tier • 2026 CAD
paymentsCDCP Coverage & Out-of-Pocket Estimate
* Estimates based on 2025–2026 provincial suggested-fee guides (CAD). Actual costs vary by province and provider; figures flagged as estimates are modelled.
Remember that the CDCP reimburses at its own established fee grid, which may be lower than what your periodontist bills. Even at the under-$70,000 income tier (100% CDCP coverage), a balance may apply if the clinic charges above the CDCP rate.
Deep cleaning cost by province (2026)
Scaling/root planing fees vary significantly by province. Alberta stands apart at $87.25 per unit; Atlantic provinces range from $54 to $77. The following data comes from our open provincial dataset (DOI 10.5281/zenodo.20744781).
Source: Real Dental Costs analysis of 2025–2026 provincial suggested-fee guides. Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec and New Brunswick are flagged as estimates where fee guides are not publicly available.
| Province | Scaling per Unit (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Prince Edward Island | $54 | DAPEI 2025 |
| Nova Scotia | $56 | NSDA 2026 |
| Saskatchewan (est.) | $50–$58 | CDSS + modelling |
| Manitoba (est.) | $50–$70 | MDA + modelling |
| British Columbia | $59–$61 | BCDA 2026 |
| Quebec (est.) | $55–$65 | ACDQ + modelling |
| Alberta | $87 | Alberta DA 2026 |
| New Brunswick (est.) | $72–$74 | NBDS + modelling |
| Newfoundland | $77 | NLDHA 2026 |
| Ontario | $65–$70 | ODA 2026 |
A full-mouth deep cleaning for moderate periodontitis typically uses 4–8 scaling units across 2–4 appointments, putting total deep-cleaning costs in the range of $200–$700 CAD depending on province and disease severity.
Gum graft cost in Canada (2026 market estimate)
Unlike scaling fees, gum graft costs do not appear in provincial suggested-fee guides. The figures below are 2026 market estimates compiled from Canadian periodontal clinic pricing.
Gum graft, crown lengthening and gum disease treatment figures are 2026 market estimates from Canadian periodontal clinics — not official fee-guide amounts. Scaling figures are from our provincial dataset (Real Dental Costs, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.20744781).
| Procedure | Low (CAD) | Avg (CAD) | High (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deep cleaning / scaling (per unit) | $50 | $65 | $87 | Provincial dataset |
| Connective-tissue graft (per site) | $600 | $900 | $1,200 | Market estimate |
| Free gingival graft (per site) | $500 | $750 | $1,100 | Market estimate |
| Crown lengthening | $500 | $800 | $1,500 | Market estimate |
| Gum disease treatment (mild–mod) | $300 | $700 | $1,500 | Market estimate |
Types of gum graft
Connective-tissue graft is the most common type. A small flap is cut in the palate, subepithelial connective tissue is harvested, stitched to the graft site to cover the exposed root, and the palatal flap is sutured back. It produces excellent results with minimal donor-site scarring.
Free gingival graft takes a small strip of tissue directly from the surface of the palate. It is used primarily to thicken thin gum tissue rather than to cover recession. It leaves a slightly more visible donor site.
Pedicle graft uses adjacent gum tissue that remains partially attached (a pedicle) and is rotated to cover the recession. It requires sufficient neighbouring gum tissue and is typically limited to isolated recession sites.
All three graft types are performed under local anaesthetic as a day procedure at a periodontal specialist's office. Recovery typically involves 1–2 weeks of soft-food diet and restricted brushing near the graft site.
What the CDCP covers — and what it doesn't
The CDCP's position on periodontal procedures is straightforward: non-surgical scaling and root planing is covered within frequency limits; soft-tissue graft surgery is not.
| Procedure | CDCP Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling/root planing (4 units/12 mo) | Yes | Age 17+, no pre-auth required |
| Scaling beyond 4 units/year | Pre-auth required | Must demonstrate clinical need |
| Gum graft (any type) | No | Excluded from all CDCP benefit tiers |
| Crown lengthening | No | Excluded from CDCP |
| Periodontal maintenance recall | Partial | Frequency limits apply |
This means patients needing a gum graft face the full cost out-of-pocket unless they have private dental insurance. If you have supplemental insurance through an employer or union plan, review your plan's periodontal surgery benefit — many group plans cover 50–80% of periodontal surgery after a waiting period.
Do I need a gum graft or just deep cleaning?
The decision depends on the stage of your gum disease and the severity of recession. Deep cleaning is always the first step for active periodontal disease — no periodontist will perform elective graft surgery on tissue that is still inflamed or harboring active infection.
General indicators for when a graft may be discussed:
- Root exposure is causing persistent cold or hot sensitivity that affects daily function
- Recession has progressed beyond 2–3 mm and stabilized after non-surgical treatment
- The tooth has inadequate attached gingiva (a narrow band of firm gum tissue)
- Recession threatens the long-term prognosis of the tooth if left untreated
Deep cleaning alone is sufficient when recession is mild, the patient's periodontal disease is controlled, and there is adequate remaining attached gingiva. Many patients who improve their brushing technique and comply with regular maintenance never require surgical intervention.
A periodontist consultation (typically $100–$200 CAD for a full assessment) will determine which treatment path is appropriate for your case.
Open dataset
Scaling/root planing (deep cleaning) unit fees on this page come from our publicly licensed dataset:
Gum graft, crown lengthening and gum disease treatment figures are 2026 market estimates based on Canadian periodontal clinic pricing and are flagged as such throughout this page.
Related pages
- Gum Disease Treatment Cost in Canada — full breakdown of scaling, surgical periodontal therapy and maintenance costs
- Receding Gums Treatment Cost in Canada — non-surgical and surgical options for gum recession
- Gum Grafting Cost by Province — regional market estimates for gum graft surgery
- CDCP Coverage Guide — full coverage matrix, income tiers and pre-authorization rules
- Dental Costs in Canada — all procedures, recall exam to implants
- Dental Cost by Province — complete provincial cost comparison
Frequently asked questions
How much does a gum graft cost in Canada?
Does the CDCP cover gum grafts?
What is a gum graft?
How much does deep cleaning (scaling/root planing) cost in Canada?
Do gums grow back after a gum graft?
What is the difference between a gum graft and deep cleaning?
Independent dental pricing research — figures verified against provincial suggested-fee guides (ODA, ACDQ, BCDA, etc.) and the CDCP coverage rules published on canada.ca. Pricing/market research, not medical or dental advice.
This page provides pricing and market research information, NOT medical or dental advice. Real Dental Costs is an independent data publisher and is not affiliated with the Government of Canada or Sun Life Financial. Gum graft and crown lengthening figures are 2026 market estimates from Canadian periodontal clinic data and have not been sourced from official provincial fee guides.