If you've been told by a dentist that you need a dental bone graft, you're likely wondering about the cost of the procedure. Dental bone grafts are commonly performed to help rebuild jawbone structure, especially before implants or other dental treatments. Knowing what to expect financially can help you plan and avoid surprises. Keep reading to find out how much this procedure might cost and what factors typically impact the price.
Why do people need dental bone grafts?
When someone loses a tooth, their jawbone is no longer stimulated during eating and biting. Over time this will cause the jawbone to deteriorate. Left untreated for a long time, this deterioration can become significant and pose serious issues for their mouth. This is why it is so important to replace a tooth as soon as possible.
The jawbone is important for certain types of tooth replacement options, like dental implants. Dental implants require that there be enough jawbone for the implant to attach to. Dental implants function through a post that is inserted into the jawbone, which provides a solid foundation for the prosthetic to attach to. Over time, this post fuses with the bone. This is the feature of dental implants that makes them so popular and effective. It allows the implant to look, feel, and function like a natural tooth. When there is not enough bone, the post will not take. Therefore, in some cases, a dentist will need to perform a bone graft to support the jawbone. This involves, the dentist grafting additional bone onto the existing bone, building it up to the needed thickness.
What is the cost of bone grafts?
Dental bone grafts in general can cost between $300-$3500. Each procedure is unique due to the condition of the patient’s jawbone and therefore the cost of bone grafts can vary considerably based on numerous factors.
- One of the biggest factors is the amount of bone grafting that needs to be done. The more invasive and complex the procedure, the more the cost.
- The type of material used will also significantly impact the cost. In general, simple grafts that use synthetic materials are usually less expensive. They generally cost between $300-$800 for each implant area. More complex grafts, especially grafts where donor bone is harvested from the person tend be more expensive. They cost between $2500-$3500 for each implant area.
- The complexity of the person’s needs can also impact the cost. The more x-rays, CT scans, or similar procedures that need to be performed, the more the cost.
- Other factors the impact the cost are the location of the dental practice, the dentist’s expertise level, and the person’s insurance coverage.
What is the bottom line?
The bottom line is dental bone grafts are an important procedure that can help restore a person’s oral health, especially if that person has lost bone density do to tooth loss. If you are a candidate for a dental bone graft and are wondering about what it will cost, speak with your dentist today. They will be able to help you guide you through your unique procedure, the costs associated with it, insurance coverage, and potential payment options.