How Much Does Dental Bone Grafting Cost?
Gum disease is a common issue that impacts millions of adults every year. Unfortunately, some of the common side effects associated with gum disease can include damage to the gum tissue and bone loss. In cases of bone loss or damage to the jawbone, this can cause tooth loss as well. When patients neglect to replace a missing tooth within a timeline, it can result in resorption of the jawbone.
Fortunately, dental implants are an incredible solution for replacing one or more lost teeth. To accommodate an implant, however, patients must have an adequate amount of jawbone structure to support and secure the implant. When the jawbone is damaged or lacks structure, it can result in implant failure. This is where bone grafting can be useful.
Grafting Procedure
Patients who have bone loss in their jaw often require bone grafting before an implant can be surgically placed. Bone grafting is an incredibly safe and highly effective treatment. Dental professionals will begin the process with a thorough examination of the jawbone. This is done to ensure the jawbone meets the minimum height and width dimensions required for the implant.
A common question patients have regarding bone grafting is the expected cost for the procedure. An average cost summary and additional information regarding this treatment are outlined below.
Procedure Cost
As with most dental treatments, there are numerous factors that impact the cost of bone grafting. Things such as the patient’s oral health, severity of their bone loss, location, procedure used, and material can all have a direct impact on the final cost. Simple bone grafting costs an average of $300 to $800 per treatment area.
Material Impact
Bone grafting material obtained from the patient will increase the cost due to the added complexity of the procedure. In addition, an anesthesiologist and orthopedic surgeon will be involved in the procedure. This more complex type of bone graft costs between $2,500 and $3,500 per treatment area.
Other Factors
Other things, such as X-rays, CT scans, and the need for additional procedures, will also impact the cost. It is important for patients to understand their dental insurance coverage as this can have a significant impact on the overall out-of-pocket cost. Patients should work closely with the dental team to determine the expected cost for bone grafting.
Imaging and Materials
Prior to beginning the procedure, the dental professional will first obtain X-rays. The patient’s mouth will also be prepared for surgery. In some cases, a CT scan is ordered for added visibility. The grafting material will be obtained or prepared. Materials which can be used include the patient’s own bone, human or animal donor bone tissue, in addition to synthetic material. Patients can rest assured that donor bone is thoroughly cleaned and sanitized.
Placement
The dental professional will then place the bone grafting material. Once the graft is placed, the treatment area will be closed. The gums and bone will heal over the course of the next few months. The body actually creates new bone tissue, which will replace the grafted material during the natural healing process over time.
If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, call the office today. We can help determine if you are a good candidate for implants or require additional procedures such as bone grafting. Our team can review any questions you have related to the procedure and recovery and provide a cost estimate. We look forward to working with you to restore your oral health.