Bone grafting is a dental procedure that provides a solution for bone loss in the jaw. Bone loss is common for patients who have one or more missing teeth. Due to the absence of a tooth root in the socket, the support structures begin to deteriorate. The jaw bone is gradually resorbed (absorbed) by the body, resulting in a weakened and sunken-looking jaw.
There are a few different options for replacing missing teeth, but the highest quality dental prosthetics are dental implants. Dental implants are surgically placed in the jaw to replace the natural tooth root, providing a solid anchor for crowns, bridges, and dentures. But if the jaw bone is too weak or thin, dental implants may not be possible. In this case your periodontist may recommend bone grafting.
If you’re considering bone grafting, you may be wondering what you can expect to pay for the procedure. Here’s a general idea of how much bone grafting costs in Belmont, Massachusetts.
What is Bone Grafting?
The goal of dental bone grafting is to replace and regenerate lost bone tissue in the jaw usually to allow for the placement of dental implants. This is accomplished by placing a bone grafting material under the gum tissue on top of the jaw bone. A collagen membrane is then placed to cover and protect the bone graft while it heals by bonding with the existing bone. Sometimes growth factors are used to boost bone regeneration.
Average Cost of Bone Grafting
The cost of bone grafting can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars if you have dental insurance and need a simple bone graft to several thousand dollars if you need a more complicated bone graft and do not have dental insurance that covers the procedure. To get an exact estimate you will need to see a periodontist who provides bone grafting procedures. After an evaluation, a treatment plan can be created that will give you a more accurate idea of the total cost.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Bone Grafting
The cost of a bone grafting procedure depends on a variety of factors:
- Complexity of the procedure. Bone grafting procedures vary in complexity, resulting in a range of costs depending on your individual case.
- Your insurance. If you have dental insurance that covers bone grafting, the overall cost will be less after insurance pays a part.
- Geographic location. The cost of living in the area where your bone grafting procedure will be performed will affect the cost. You may receive a higher quote in a large city than a small town.
- Your doctor’s level of experience. The more experience the doctor has, the higher the cost of the procedure may be. With experience comes improved results for patients.
- Additional procedures. The cost of bone grafting does not include other dental procedures such as the placement of dental implants afterwards. Those will come at an additional cost.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bone Grafting
What type of anesthesia is required for bone grafting?
Anesthesia options may range anywhere from local anesthesia to IV sedation. The type of anesthesia used for your procedure will depend on your doctor’s recommendation and your personal preference.
How soon after bone grafting can I get dental implants?
It can take between three and nine months for the bone to regenerate and become strong enough to support dental implants. Sometimes bone grafts can be placed at the time of implant placement. Your own personal rate of healing, whether you smoke or have uncontrolled diabetes, and how well you follow your doctor’s recommendations for after care will affect this timeline.
Learn More About Bone Grafting From Schrott Perio Implants
Schrott Perio Implants provides highly successful bone grafting procedures for patients with bone loss in the jaw that is affecting their oral health. We will work with your insurance to help you make the most of your coverage and discuss payment options to help make the procedure as affordable as possible.
Call (617) 484-9240 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.