How Much Does a Dental Bone Graft Cost?
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A dental bone graft is done to restore and strengthen your bone to its previous form and is often done before implants are placed to create enough strength to support them. This procedure can be done if you lost a tooth, had gum disease or some sort of trauma.
How much does a dental bone graft cost?
As with any other medical procedures, the costs for dental bone graft vary according to different factors. The costs are usually determined by the type of graft, the size of the area, how much bone is needed, where you live, how complex your situation is and your dentist. The price, without any insurance, may range anywhere from $200 to $3,200+. Keep in mind that this estimate will be for the bone graft only and won’t include implants or any other necessary procedures if you needed them.
A bone graft using a sterilized bone from a cadaver or synthetic bone, for instance, can cost $350 to $1,400, whereas a bone graft using your own bone, typically from the jaw, hip or chin, can cost much more, usually around $2,000 to $3,500. The reason the second option is much higher is due to the hospitalization you will need because of the procedure.
If, by chance, you are receiving dental implants, then the costs of a bone graft will be included in the finalized bone graft quote.
According to Placidway.com, most bone graft procedures in the United States cost between $500 and $3,000. In some cases, the costs for dental implants are combined with the cost of the bone graft.
One member on City-data.com said she was quoted $725 for just the graft and another $2,350 for the implants.
Dental bone grafting overview
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are two types of grafting procedures: grafting with real bone and grafting with bone morphogenetic protein (BMP). The first one uses a piece of bone from another site in the upper or lower jawbone or sometimes from the hip area if more bone is needed. The second option uses BMP, a hormone that can promote bone growth. The doctor places a synthetic collagen sponge moistened with BMP protein into the targeted area and the sponge will grow into bone over time.
For a simpler bone graft, the gums will be separated from the teeth to reach the roots and bones. Thoroughly cleaning the area, the periodontist or dentist will clean the areas and fill the holes inside of the missing bone with the grafting material. If this process is being done due to implants, then this process will be done about three to six months before you receive your implants. Most of the time, a smaller job will be done by your local dentist, whereas your extensive procedures will be performed by a specialist such as an oral surgeon.
After the procedure has been performed, the gums will be stitched up and the surgery site will need to be kept clean while healing. The new bone, depending on your situation, could take up to a few months to see it heal 100 percent.
Bone grafting material
Own bown
Using your own bone, according to dentalimplantcostguide.com, will always be the best option as there’s no risk of an infectious disease or tissue rejection, but this will be the most expensive option since it will require a hospital stay.
Cadaver
A cadaver bone will be freeze-dried and will be obtained from a local tissue bank. This type of bone can carry risks such as transmitting an infectious disease, but most of the time, it can be deemed safe.
Animal
An animal bone, which usually comes from a cow, will be sterilized and processed to minimize any infections. Again, like a cadaver, there is the risk of an infectious disease or the risk of contamination.
Synthetic
Lastly, a synthetic bone is a bone-like material and will be absorbed and replaced as time goes on.
What are the extra costs?
A diagnosis will commonly be done before the procedure to spot any bone loss. This will include the necessary x-rays and/or CT scan. An x-ray, on average, can cost $50 to $200, while a CT scan can cost upwards of $300 to $900. Sometimes, these costs may be tied into the estimates mentioned above, but this isn’t always the case.
Anesthesia, depending on the dentist office billing policy, may be charged separately. This is not normally included in the quoted price and will cost extra. The average anesthesiologist charges $50 to $150+ per hour.
After the procedure, you will be prescribed pain medication and antibiotics.
Tips to know:
Potential risks may include a bone graft rejection, infection, bleeding, swelling or even sinus damage.
How can I save money?
If you do not have dental insurance, you can usually get a discount by paying cash. Even if you can’t pay in full, many dentist offices can set you up on a payment plan if available.
If you do have a dental insurance policy, your policy should cover a portion of the procedure. Since all insurance policies are different, be sure to check with your insurance carrier
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Average Reported Cost: $3000
How much did you spend?
- EKG (beverly Hills, California) paid $3000 and said:
Needed bone graft due to bone loss in my jaw around a molar. The tooth has a crown on it, but the roots are OK.
Was it worth it? Yes
