A dental bone graft is done to replace a missing tooth—and having a missing tooth isn’t too uncommon. So, let’s say you’re looking to get the procedure done. How much would you end up paying?
Well, dental bone graft cost depends on the material the dentist will be using. There are four sources of bone graft material. They’re listed below, from best to least effective.
- From the patient’s own bone
This is the most effective source and also the safest. It heals well and has little to no risk of infection. The bone to be used is usually harvested from the jaw or chin. There are times when doctors get it from hip though.
This option’s a bit expensive as it involves two surgeries: initial bone harvesting and the main dental implant procedure. This typically ranges anywhere from 2,000 to 4,000 USD.
- From the bones of a cadaver
Sterile and freeze-dried cadaver bone is also a good choice, given that it’s taken from a reputable tissue bank. This is a great pick for anyone who doesn’t want two surgeries.
Aside from being sufficiently safe, getting graft material from a cadaver is also a bit more affordable. If you choose this option, it will cost you around 300 to 1,200 USD.
- From animal bones
Going for this means you’ll likely end up getting cow bone, processed and sterilized to lessen the risk of infection. This bone is still naturally absorbed by the body though. Over time, it gets replaced with real bone.
This might cost you approximately 250 to 1000 USD.
- Synthetic bone
This is also known as the mineral bone substitute. Despite sounding unnatural, it’s rather safe and also gets replaced by real bone over time. This costs around 250 to 1100 USD.
Just in case you’re curious (and given how dental tourism has been growing as of late), here are some estimates for the dental bone graft cost in other countries:
- Costa Rica 280 USD
- Germany 1,200 USD
- India 2,400 USD
- Thailand 460 USD
- Malaysia 340 USD
- United Kingdom 320 USD
- United Arab Emirates 1,550 USD
- Mexico 380 USD
- Brazil 1,500 USD
Keep in mind that you may need to pay additional fees such as for X-rays, consultation, and CT scans. And of course, no matter how eager you are to save, it’s best to heed the advice of your dentist.
