How Much Does Dental Bone Grafting Cost?
The dentist has reviewed the treatment plan to restore your mouth to good health, and one of the steps is dental bone grafting. Not only does this sound like an invasive procedure, but it can sound like an expensive one, too. Not to worry, though, the cost of dental bone grafting can vary widely depending on the location of the dentist, and also the complexity of the procedure, and furthermore, on the type of graft. The range of prices seems wide, anywhere from $300 to $3000; let’s talk more about the factors that affect the cost.
A simple bone graft may cost from $300 to $800 per site if it uses synthetic material or donor tissue. This kind of transplant is typically in one small area immediately following a different procedure, like a tooth extraction. If the dentist needs to treat a larger area of your mouth or you use your own bone material extracted from a different site on your body, the process becomes more involved, and the price could rise greatly. These advanced grafts may cost $2,000 to $3,000 or more when you include fees, anesthesia, or related stepsother treatments needed during the procedure.
When the dentist is using a bone graft as a step to place a dental implant, some offices present you with one final cost, and other offices will itemize it. Grafting before an implant is often viewed as a required step, not one that is optional. In order to gain a clear picture of what you should expect when it comes to your final bill, ask about how your provider structures the billing.
The source of the bone material and the type of bone material used in your graft also affect cost. Allografts, xenografts, and alloplasts are usually less expensive than autografts. Allografts come from a human donor, xenografts come from a nonhuman source, and alloplasts come from a synthetic material. Autografts use bone tissue taken from your own body, which requires extra surgical time and skill.
Geographic location can affect pricing as well. All dental procedures tend to cost more in large urban areas and regions that have a higher cost of living. However, higher costs do not always mean better quality; better care is not reflected in the price charged. The amount of training and experience the dentist has can increase the price of the procedure.
Your dental insurance policy may or may not cover bone grafting. The reason for your bone graft may affect whether or not your policy covers the procedure. If doctors deem the graft medically necessary in instances when disease or injury causes bone loss, there is a better chance it will be partially covered. However, insurance coverage is often limited or excluded if the graft is considered elective or cosmetic. Speaking directly with a benefits coordinator from your dental office and reviewing your policy in detail is helpful.
If you find that you are responsible for the cost of the dental bone graft, some providers allow for payment plans or financing by third-party providers. You can use these arrangements to make higher-cost procedures more accessible.
If you have more questions about dental bone grafting or how addressing it could work as a part of your treatment plan to achieve better dental health, make an appointment with the dentist to see if bone grafting is the best option for you.