Receding Gums Treatment Cost in Canada (2026)
Receding gums treatment in Canada ranges from $50–$87 per unit for non-surgical deep cleaning (provincial dataset) to $600–$1,200 per site for connective-tissue gum grafts (2026 market estimate). The CDCP covers scaling up to 4 units per year — it does not cover gum graft surgery.
Non-surgical treatment: deep cleaning and scaling
For most patients with early to moderate gum recession, the first — and often only — treatment required is a professional deep cleaning (scaling and root planing). This removes the bacterial buildup below the gum line that drives further tissue loss.
Deep cleaning costs $50–$87 per scaling unit across Canada's provinces, from our 2026 provincial dataset. A full-mouth deep cleaning for active gum disease typically uses 4–8 units across multiple appointments. For detailed scaling fees by province and a CDCP out-of-pocket calculator, see our dedicated gum disease treatment cost page.
The CDCP covers scaling up to 4 units per 12 months for eligible patients aged 17 and older. Units beyond the annual limit require pre-authorization from Sun Life.
Surgical options and market costs
When recession has progressed beyond what non-surgical treatment can stabilize, or when root exposure causes persistent sensitivity or threatens the tooth's long-term prognosis, a periodontist may recommend a surgical procedure to restore gum tissue.
Scaling/root planing per unit from provincial dataset. Gum graft and pinhole surgical technique figures are 2026 market estimates from Canadian periodontal clinics — not official fee-guide amounts.
| Procedure | Low (CAD) | Avg (CAD) | High (CAD) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scaling/root planing (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 |
| Pinhole surgical technique | $1,500 | $2,500 | $4,500 | Market estimate |
The pinhole technique cost covers multiple adjacent teeth in a single session, which is why the range appears higher than single-site grafts. Per-tooth, the economics can be comparable when many teeth are involved.
What causes receding gums and how to prevent further recession
Understanding the cause of your recession is as important as treating it — if the underlying cause is not addressed, recession will continue even after a successful graft.
Periodontal disease is the leading cause. Bacterial infection destroys the gum attachment and underlying bone, pulling the gum level down. Treatment requires controlling the active infection through professional cleaning before any surgical repair.
Aggressive brushing is the second most common cause, particularly with a hard-bristled toothbrush and a horizontal scrubbing motion. Switching to a soft-bristled brush and circular or vertical strokes can halt recession in many cases.
Thin gum tissue (biotype) is largely genetic. Patients with a thin periodontal biotype are more susceptible to recession and may benefit from a prophylactic gum graft even before significant recession occurs.
Teeth grinding and clenching (bruxism) generate excessive lateral forces that gradually thin the gum tissue over the roots. A custom night guard ($300–$600 as a market estimate) is typically recommended alongside any gum treatment.
Orthodontic tooth movement outside the bony envelope can cause recession if teeth are moved too far from their natural anatomical position.
Prevention after treatment focuses on: using an extra-soft toothbrush with proper technique, treating active gum disease, managing bruxism, and attending regular periodontal maintenance recalls every 3–4 months.
CDCP coverage summary
| Procedure | CDCP Covered? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Scaling/root planing (up to 4 units/year) | Yes | Age 17+, no pre-auth |
| Scaling beyond 4 units/year | Pre-auth required | Clinical need must be documented |
| Connective-tissue gum graft | No | Excluded from all CDCP benefit tiers |
| Free gingival graft | No | Excluded |
| Pinhole surgical technique | No | Excluded |
| Periodontal maintenance | Partial | Frequency limits apply |
Patients requiring gum graft surgery must fund it out-of-pocket unless they carry private group dental insurance with a periodontal surgery benefit. Many employer group plans cover 50–80% of periodontal surgery costs after a waiting period — review your plan's coverage before committing to treatment.
When to see a periodontist
A general dentist can diagnose gum recession and provide non-surgical scaling treatment. However, a referral to a periodontist (a gum specialist) is warranted when:
- Recession has progressed beyond 2 mm despite non-surgical treatment
- Multiple teeth are affected, particularly in the front of the mouth
- Root sensitivity is significantly affecting quality of life
- You are considering orthodontic treatment and have existing recession
- Your general dentist identifies inadequate attached gingiva (the firm band of gum near the teeth)
A periodontal assessment typically costs $100–$200 CAD as a market estimate and will result in a treatment plan with specific cost estimates for your situation.
Related pages
- Gum Graft Cost in Canada — full breakdown of graft types, market costs, and CDCP exclusions
- Gum Disease Treatment Cost in Canada — scaling costs by province, surgical therapy and CDCP coverage
- Gum Grafting Cost by Province — regional market estimates for gum graft surgery across Canada
- CDCP Coverage Guide — full coverage matrix, income tiers and pre-authorization rules
- Dental Costs in Canada — all procedures, recall exam to implants
Frequently asked questions
How much does receding gums treatment cost in Canada?
Does the CDCP cover receding gums treatment?
What causes receding gums?
Can receding gums grow back without surgery?
What is the pinhole surgical technique for receding gums?
How do I choose between a gum graft and the pinhole technique?
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, pinhole technique and surgical figures are 2026 market estimates from Canadian periodontal clinic data and have not been sourced from official provincial fee guides.