Did your dentist recommend getting a dental bone graft before an implant surgery? Well, then you must be worried about potential costs – after all, dental services are not cheap, and this would be an additional treatment!
Sadly, it’s not easy to figure out how much a dental bone graft costs on your own. Multiple factors affect the pricing and so it may be unique for every person.
In today’s post, we’ll dive deep into the topic and help you make an accurate estimate of your dental bone grafting treatment. Let’s get started!
What is Dental Bone Grafting?
A dental bone graft is a procedure designed to restore and augment bone in the jaw. It is important for people who have experienced bone loss due to:
- Tooth extraction
- Periodontal disease
- Physical trauma
- Congenital defects
During this procedure, a small piece of human bone or a bone substitute is placed in the area where bone regeneration is needed. The bone graft material triggers the body to naturally heal the bone and fill the targetted area.
This provides stability for dental implant surgery and other prosthetics. If you want to ensure nothing goes wrong with the implant placement, you will have to get this bone augmentation done.
However, please note there are different types of bone grafts used in the procedure. These include autografts (bone taken from the patient’s own body), allografts (bone from a human donor), and xenografts (bone from animals).
Your dentist will first examine your dental condition and then determine the suitable type. He may also consider factors, like the extent of bone density lost, missing teeth, bacterial infection, and dentures.
This will help him tailor the dental grafting procedure according to your needs. So, the specific treatment can vary from person to person. This means no two dental bone grafts will cost the same!
Factors Affecting Dental Bone Graft Costs
Now that we know dental bone graft pricing is not the same for every person. Let’s have a look at the factors that affect the costs:
1. Type of Graft
The type of graft influences the cost of bone grafting the most. Autografts – which involve using the patient’s own bone – require an additional surgical site to harvest the bone.
This increases the time and complexity of the procedure. As a result, autografts are more expensive compared to other graft types. If you want cost-effective options, opt for allografts, xenografts, or synthetic grafts.
2. Extent of the Procedure
People with larger bone defects require extensive reconstruction. This increases the need for more graft material and surgical time – costing you more. Alternatively, if the size of the defect is small, the procedure would be easier and cheaper.
Another thing that can make dental bone graft complex is the need for additional procedures. If you have sinus lifts or ridge problems, the dentist will have to treat them first. He may need to conduct X-rays and CT scans. All of this will increase your overall dental costs.
3. Geographic Location
The cost of dental procedures, including bone grafts, can vary based on your location and local market rates. Dental practices in metropolitan areas or regions with higher living costs may have higher fees compared to those in rural areas.
4. Experience of the Dental Professional
Similar to location, this factor isn’t directly linked to the treatment, but it has a major effect on the costs. An experienced and highly-skilled specialist often charges higher than others. In some cases, you may have to pay 10x of the average cost just for the specialist’s time.
While this can increase your dental bone graft cost significantly, we don’t recommend compromising on it at all. Dental procedures are sensitive and should only be handled by reputable and reliable experts.
So, How Much Does a Dental Bone Graft Cost?
A dental bone graft can cost anywhere from a few hundred to thousands of dollars. The exact value will depend on the factors discussed above. But to give you an idea, the average price range of dental bone graft is between $500 to $3000 in the US.
If you choose autograft, the prices will start from $2,000 to $3,000 per site. This can add up to thousands if you have multiple grafting sites in your mouth. However, other types of grafts (including synthetic ones) are cheaper.
An allograft or xenograft will cost you $1500 at most. Meanwhile, a synthetic bone graft cost per tooth will be $300 to $800. You can expect this price to drop further if the bone defect is small and no additional dental procedures are required.
Here are some more bone graft surgery cost estimates:
Tooth extraction and bone graft cost
Tooth extraction and bone grafting are typically done at the same time to prepare the teeth for dental implants. A simple tooth extraction costs between $75 to $250. However, if the tooth is impacted and requires surgical removal, the cost starts from $180 per tooth.
When combined with a bone graft, the complete treatment can cost you $700 to $3200+.
2 Dental Implants with bone grafting cost
Getting two dental implants means you will be having bone grafting of two or more sites. This will double or maybe triple the average treatment cost.
Considering the dental implant cost is $3000 to $4800, you will have to pay around $10,000+ for 2 dental implants with bone grafting. Expect this price to be higher if you need a tooth or root extraction.
Tips to Finance Your Treatment
If you don’t have enough budget to meet your dental bone graft costs, don’t panic because there are several options to finance your treatment. Here are some common ones:
1. Dental Insurance
Most dental insurance policies cover bone graft procedures. Check your dental insurance and contact the insurance provider to understand the extent of coverage as well as potential limitations.
2. Payment Plans
Ask your dentist about flexible payment plans. Many dental offices offer financing options, such as monthly installment plans or third-party financing services.
These arrangements allow you to spread out the cost of your bone graft over some time – making it more manageable for your budget. But beware of any hidden charges or interest rates that they may apply.
3. Dental Savings Plans
Some dental labs offer a savings or discount plan to their regular customers. These plans offer reduced rates on various surgical procedures, including bone grafts. Typically, you will have to pay an annual membership fee in exchange for discounted services.
Please note the annual membership may appear a lot because it is a lumpsum amount. But if you visit the dentist regularly, break down the annual membership fee into monthly dental costs, and you will see that it is actually lesser in the long run.
4. Compare Different Quotes
It’s always better to consult different dental professionals and get a comprehensive understanding of your treatment options. You can request detailed treatment plans and cost breakdowns from each provider too.
It will enable you to compare prices and make an informed decision while considering the reputation of dental professionals.
5. Open Communication
This may not work in every situation, but if your dental provider has been treating you for years, it’s best to communicate openly about your financial concerns.
They might suggest alternative treatment options or recommend cost-saving measures without compromising the quality of care. However, if the dentist is new or unreliable, never discuss this because they might try to take advantage of your situation.
FAQs
Are dental bone grafts permanent?
No, dental bone grafts aren’t permanent because they dissolve with time. Their purpose is to trigger the growth of new bone in the affected area. So, once the bone starts growing, the graft starts dissolving.
How long does a bone graft on a tooth take?
Dental bone grafting can take anywhere from 20 to 90+ minutes to complete. The procedure time depends on the number of grafting sites and the extent of damage to the teeth.
How painful are dental bone grafts?
The dental bone graft procedure is painless because the patient is under sedation. The person doesn’t feel anything until they get conscious again. However, they may feel a little discomfort and soreness during the healing process.
Is dental bone graft risky?
No, dental bone grafting is usually a safe procedure. But, if you develop a persistent throbbing pain afterward, there might be a complication. Contact the dentist immediately.
Summary
All in all, maintaining your oral health is important for your overall well-being. If your dentist recommends getting a dental bone graft, you must get it at all costs.
And if the question – how much does a dental bone graft cost – keeps haunting you, know that the average price range is $500 to $3000 per graft site. You can manage to afford this heavy cost by:
- Using your dental insurance
- Asking for payment plans
- Enrolling in a dental savings plan
- Comparing different quotes
- Openly communicating the problem with your dentist
We hope this article has helped resolve all your queries. But if there is still any doubt or query, let us know in the comments below!
