Research shows that a person loses up to 25% of their jawbone density within the first year of losing a tooth. When bone density is lost, bone grafting is often required before replacing any missing teeth.
Bone grafting is a surgical procedure conducted by a dentist where the bone is taken from another part of your body, or a donor's bone is used to add extra tissue to the affected area. This extra bone will restore density and ensure the jaw can support the posts.
How do you know if you’re a good candidate for bone grafting, and how much does this procedure cost?
Qualifications for Bone Grafting
If you’re considering dental implants to replace missing teeth, bone grafting may be a necessity. However, not every patient that needs dental implants requires bone grafting. Qualifications for this procedure depend on the history of gum disease, how advanced it is, the trauma involved, development defects, and the empty space after tooth removal.
To qualify for bone grafting, the jawbone must be strong enough to support the biocompatible screws that serve as the roots of the tooth. In patients with severe gum disease, known as periodontal disease, jawbone loss is too great, and bone grafting is necessary.
Additionally, a patient who suffers from osteoarthritis, a condition where the bones thin, will also benefit from bone grafting. Due to the condition of thinning bones, the structure of your face often appears sunken. Getting a bone graft will help restore the appearance of the face.
How Much Does Bone Grafting Cost?
Depending on the specific needs of the patient, the overall dental health, and the condition of the jawbone, the cost of bone grafting in Nassau County, NY, varies.
The simplest bone graft uses cadaver bone and ranges from $300 to $800 for each implant. If the bone is taken from the patient, then hospitalization, an anesthesiologist, and an orthopedic surgeon are required, driving the cost between $2,500 to $3,500.
Other factors that influence cost are additional screening services like CT scans and x-rays, which raise costs from $250 to $1,000. The material used and type of graft will also affect cost.
Does Insurance Pay for Bone Grafting?
It’s rare to have any type of dental implant covered by dental insurance. However, there are portions of bone grafting deemed medically necessary that may be covered.
It’s best to call your insurance company to determine whether bone grafting is covered by their dental insurance. If your situation is deemed medically necessary, get proof from the dentist before calling.
Learn More About Bone Grafting in Nassau County, NY
Dental bone grafts are a proven effective way to increase the success rate of dental implants. If you’ve suffered a significant amount of bone loss in the jaw, bone grafting will be recommended to hold the dental implants in place. If you have questions about bone grafting or you’d like to schedule a consultation, contact us today at 516-921-1133 to make an appointment.