Dental bone grafting is a procedure used by dentists to help people preserve their teeth, repair forms of oral trauma, and prepare for the placement of dental implants. However, one important thing to consider regarding dental bone grafts is the cost. This number can influence the overall expense of oral reconstruction.
So, in this article, find out the bone graft for dental implant cost, depending on the material.
Understanding What A Dental Bone Graft Is
Dental bone grafting is considered one of the minor surgical treatments that help restore the structure or function of the tissues supporting our teeth. It helps combat the damage from tooth extraction or other oral health concerns like gum disease. It also helps prepare for crucial surgical procedures like dental implants.
In a dental bone graft, the dentist will place a real or synthetic bone inside or next to existing bone tissues, particularly in the area with bone loss. The grafted bone material will fuse with the bone, forming a new layer on top of the existing bone. Because it will be very hard to grow bone on your own, a bone grafting procedure will fill the area that is lacking.
Because of the bone graft, you can rebuild bone density and make your jaw thicker and stronger. Once the procedure is successful, there will be a stronger foundation to secure a tooth, a dental implant, or dentures.
Different Types Of Dental Bone Graft Material
There are various types of bone grafts, categorized based on the grafting material. Each of them has its own pros and cons, depending on your needs and your budget.
- Autografts - Autografts use the patient's bones to create a bone graft. Usually, the bone will be taken from the hipbone or the back of the jawbone. However, it is notable that the pain at the donor site may be severe and quite challenging for many people.
- Allografts - An alternative for autograft is the allograft. Here, the material used will be a human cadaver bone. This bone graft cost is lower and is also safer, with very minimal risk of infection.
- Xenografts - Xenografts make use of animal sources, usually cow bone. This bovine bone is sterilized and FDA-approved, so there's no need to worry about safety.
- Alloplasts - If you're looking for a synthetic option for a bone graft procedure, you may choose alloplasts made of phosphorus, hydroxylapatite, and calcium.
- Block Bone Graft - A block bone graft is suggested for patients who are missing more than a few teeth and suffer from significant bone deterioration. This treatment plan may use human bone, bone tissue banks, or synthetic bone.
- Sinus Lift Graft - A sinus lift is the best option for back tooth loss and involves restoring the sinus to its normal position with a bone graft.
- Socket Graft - Also known as the alveolar ridge preservation graft, a socket graft is used when a patient is missing a single tooth and has a small area that needs a new bone.
Bone Graft For Dental Implant Cost
Dental care isn't cheap, especially since dental procedures are not usually included in insurance policies. To prepare for these expenses, here are the numbers you must know about the price of bone grafts based on the graft type.
- Autografts - $700 to $3,000
- Allografts - $700 to $1,200
- Xenografts - $700 to $1,200
- Alloplasts - $700 to $1,200
- Block Bone Graft - $700 to $3,000
- Sinus Lift Graft - $3,000 to $6,000
- Socket Graft - $700 to $3,000
It is important to note that the bone graft cost depends on numerous factors, including the size of the area to be worked on, the source material to be used, and where on the bone it will be from.
Aside from these, patients may also have to pay additional fees for procedures like CT scans, X-rays, and consultations with medical specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the bone graft for dental implant cost factors by finding the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Every insurance company offers a unique dental policy, so what can be covered by one may not be covered by another carrier. If your insurance coverage includes dental bone grafts, you may still encounter other services you must pay for out of pocket.
Bone grafts, especially those done by competent dental surgeons, are certainly worth it. The process is essential to restore the damaged bone in the jaw and help dentists replace the missing tooth or teeth.
After a dental grafting procedure, the patient will feel normal within a week or two. However, complete healing can take between three or nine months or longer in rare cases. The recovery period will depend on the body's healing capacity, the areas where work was done, and the type of graft placed.
A dental bone graft helps restore bone loss and prevent further problems. Most of all, it can bring back your beautiful smile. There are many types of bone graft options available, depending on a person's needs, preferences, and budget. Ask your trusted dental doctor about the best possibility for you.
If you want to learn more about possible ways to save money on your dental graft payment plan, check out the Gov Relations guide to free government grants for dental implants.
