How much does a tooth extraction and bone graft cost?

Bone grafting in dentistry is a surgical procedure involving the placement of new bone or bone substitute into the jaw, following tooth extraction or wisdom tooth removal. Bone grafts in dentistry are mostly used for patients scheduled for implant treatment, who don’t have enough bone in the jaw to support proper placement of the implant.

The cost of a tooth extraction and bone graft can vary greatly depending on several factors, such as the location of the dentist, the complexity of the procedure, and the type of materials used for the grafting. On average, the cost can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more.

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Why do you need bone grafting?

Dental bone grafting procedures are aimed at restoring the bone to its previous form before trauma, tooth loss, a localized infection, or gum disease. The surgery can also be used after a tooth extraction, such as wisdom tooth removal, to maintain the bone structure, or to prepare a site for dental implants.

Bone in areas where there’re missing teeth naturally shrinks or resorbs over time, because there’s no stimulation, causing the jawbone to become weaker over time. New bone tissue must, therefore, be grafted to provide a secure site where implants can be placed.

Bone grafting may also be necessary to save teeth that have undergone bone loss due to gum disease, or for aesthetic purposes. In the latter case, the jaw and other facial bones are responsible for supporting the skin and muscle responsible for your outward cosmetic appearance. And without sufficient support of the underlying bone, one’s face may appear to be prematurely aged.

Bone grafting after tooth extraction

Bone grafting after tooth extraction is a common procedure whereby a portion of bone or a synthetic material is placed into the socket left by the extracted tooth. This helps to preserve the jawbone structure and prevent resorption, which occurs when the body absorbs the bone. This is beneficial in maintaining the shape, structure, and stability of the jaw, providing a stable base for dental implants (if you plan on replacing the missing tooth with an implant), and preventing future tooth shifting.

Where does the grafted bone come from?

In the past, the bone required for grafting had to be taken from another part of your body or jaw, requiring additional surgery. Today, there are a number of substitute grafting materials that can be used in place of your own bone, with the most common one being Puros Allografts. During the healing process, the graft material acts as a scaffold, so it is gradually replaced by your own new bone.

What to expect from the dental bone grafting procedure

Prior to a bone grafting procedure, you doctor should go over any pre-operative instructions to be followed, as well as any specific details about the surgery. The following general steps are usually included:

Application of a local anesthetic to the grafting site to numb the area

The next step is to extract the damaged or diseased tooth.
After the extraction, the socket is cleaned and prepared for the bone grafting procedure. The surgeon makes an opening over the bone defects
The dentist will then place the graft material into the grafting site. This can be either a synthetic material, such as a ceramic or collagen-based product, or a portion of the patient’s own bone, which can be taken from another area of the jaw or hip. It is stabilized with a protective coating.

The graft material is then covered with a clotting material and the socket is sutured closed.
The stitches should dissolve in 7-10 days, but they can also be removed by your doctor
The socket will take 3 to 6 months to heal. During this time, the graft material will integrate with the surrounding bone and promote the growth of new bone tissue.

What is the cost of a dental bone graft?

The cost of a dental bone graft can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the type of bone graft material used, the complexity of the procedure, and the location of the dentist. On average, the cost can range anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000, with some more complex procedures costing even more.

Some of the factors that influence the cost of a dental bone graft include?

Type of bone graft material – Synthetic materials, such as ceramics or collagen-based products, are not as costly as using a portion of your own bone, which requires a separate surgical procedure to harvest.

Complexity of the procedure – A simple socket preservation procedure may be less expensive than a more complex sinus lift procedure to support dental implants
Location of the dentist – Dental procedures tend to be more expensive in areas with high cost of real-estate due to the costs of running a business there.

The cost of a dental bone graft can also be influenced by factors such as your dental insurance coverage, the dentist’s experience, and the use of advanced technology.

Overall, it’s recommended to discuss the cost of a dental bone graft with your dentist and to obtain multiple quotes from different dental professionals to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Additionally, some dentists may offer financing options to help make the procedure more affordable.

Looking for more information on bone grafting?

Like any other surgery, there are risks involved with bone grafting, plus there is a preparation process before the actual procedure. So, it is necessary that you talk to your dentist about the necessary tests, risks, and possible alternatives.