Soft Tissue Graft Calculator
Graft dimensions from recession and root coverage goals.
About this calculator
This calculator sizes a free connective tissue graft for root-coverage surgery from the recession dimensions at a single site, then scales the estimate across multiple sites. Graft length adds 3mm of suturing margin on each side of the recession's mesiodistal width, and graft width adds 3mm of coronal overlap onto the recession's vertical depth, since a graft undersized in either dimension risks incomplete coverage or tension on the flap. Recession depth and width both drive total graft area because area is their product; a deeper or wider recession needs a proportionally larger harvested graft.
Expected root coverage is read from the Miller recession classification: Class I and II defects (intact interdental papilla and bone) predict high coverage (88-95%), while Class III and IV defects (papilla or bone loss) predict progressively lower and less certain coverage (30-62%), which the calculator converts into a millimeter estimate by applying that percentage to the recession depth. This tool estimates dimensions and site-level cost from a simplified classification-based model — it does not account for graft thickness variability across the palate, keratinized tissue width at the donor site, smoking status, or vestibular depth, all of which materially affect actual root coverage outcomes; a periodontist's clinical exam and case-specific judgment should always override this estimate.
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about your health. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of results from this tool.
Inputs
Results
Total graft area (mm²)
60
How to Use This Calculator
- Measure recession depth (mm) from CEJ to gingival margin and recession width (mm) mesiodistally.
- Enter the number of sites requiring grafting.
- Set the Miller recession class (I–IV) to indicate prognosis for root coverage.
- Review Graft Length and Width per site (mm), Donor Width (mm), and Expected Root Coverage (%).
- Use graft dimensions to harvest the correct size connective tissue graft from the palate.
How the result changes with Recession depth (mm)
| Recession depth (mm) | Total graft area (mm²) |
|---|---|
| 1.5 | 45 |
| 2.25 | 53 |
| 4.5 | 75 |
| 7.5 | 105 |
What each input means
- Recession depth (mm)
- Vertical depth of gingival recession from CEJ.
- Recession width (mm)
- Mesiodistal width of the recession at the CEJ.
- Number of sites
- Number of teeth with recession requiring grafting.
- Miller class
- Miller recession classification, which sets the predicted root coverage percentage.
What each result means
- Total graft area (mm²)
- Total connective tissue graft area needed.
- Graft length per site (mm)
- Required graft length per recipient site.
- Graft width per site (mm)
- Required graft apicocoronal dimension.
- Expected root coverage (%)
- Predicted percentage of root coverage based on Miller class.
- Expected coverage (mm)
- Predicted root coverage in millimeters.
- Est. total cost ($)
- Estimated total grafting cost.
How this is calculated
Worked example, using the default values
- Identify Input Parameters4 parametersRecession depth (mm) = 3, Recession width (mm) = 4, Number of sites = 1, Miller class (1-4) = 2 = 4 input(s) provided
- Calculate Total graft areaTotal graft area60 = 60
- Calculate Graft length per siteGraft length per site10 = 10
- Calculate Graft width per siteGraft width per site6 = 6
Engine last updated . Checked against 3 independently-derived tests — how we verify calculators. Built by Paul Gunder, a software engineer, not a licensed financial, medical, or legal professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is graft size calculated from recession dimensions?
Graft length is the recession's mesiodistal width plus 6mm (3mm of suturing margin on each side), and graft width is the recession's vertical depth plus 3mm of coronal overlap. Multiplying length by width gives the graft area needed per site, which is then multiplied by the number of sites being treated in the same procedure.
What's the clinical reasoning behind predicting lower root coverage for Miller Class III and IV defects?
Miller class describes how much interdental papilla and bone support remains around the recession. Class I and II defects retain that support and predict 88-95% root coverage, while Class III and IV defects have lost papilla height or interproximal bone, which limits achievable coverage to roughly 30-62% regardless of graft technique.
If I'm treating several recession sites in the same appointment, does each one need its own graft measurement?
Yes — each site's graft dimensions are calculated independently from that site's own recession depth and width. Adding more sites increases the total graft area harvested and the total procedure cost proportionally, but it does not change how large the graft needs to be at any individual site.
Are the estimated procedure costs tied to a specific regional fee schedule?
No — the cost figures are a simplified planning estimate that scales with Miller classification and site count rather than a fee schedule tied to any specific procedure code, insurance payer, or geographic region. Actual billed or out-of-pocket costs for connective tissue grafting vary by practice and by technique (palatal harvest, pouch technique, or an acellular dermal matrix instead of autogenous tissue), so treat this total as a planning figure for comparing case complexity rather than a quote.
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