Choosing dental implants means investing in both the long-term health of your mouth and the appearance of your smile. For many patients, that investment includes a bone grafting procedure to give the implant a stable, lasting foundation. Because bone grafting adds an extra step to treatment, it typically increases both the timeline and the overall cost of getting implants. If your dentist has told you that a bone graft will be needed before your implant can be placed, it helps to understand what that part of the treatment may cost.
Breaking Down the Price of Bone Grafting for Dental Implants
How much work your jawbone needs is generally the biggest factor in determining what a dental bone graft will cost. When a straightforward synthetic bone graft is used to prepare a single dental implant site, patients can typically expect a price between $300 and $800. A graft that instead uses bone harvested from your own body is a more involved procedure, and it calls for hospitalization along with the involvement of an orthopedic surgeon and an anesthesiologist. That added complexity raises the cost of the bone grafting portion alone to somewhere between $2,500 and $3,500. Keep in mind that these figures are general estimates only. Your actual cost may end up higher or lower depending on factors such as your location, the grafting material used, the skill and experience of your dental team, and the specifics of your individual case.
It’s also worth knowing that financing options, including CareCredit®, are available to help make these services more affordable for you.
Common Questions About Dental Implants and Bone Grafting
How Much Healing Time Does a Bone Graft Need Before Implant Placement?
In most cases, a bone graft needs at least four months to heal fully and build the strength required to support a dental implant. When a tooth extraction is also needed, our team can typically complete the extraction, place the membrane, and perform the bone graft all in one visit. Once that site has healed, you’ll return to our office so we can place the implant itself, usually a titanium screw, which then needs roughly another four months to heal. After that healing period, we uncover the implant and allow it about one more month to settle. While that final month passes, our lab works on perfecting your crown so it’s ready to place as soon as healing is complete.
Which Sedation Options Are Available for Bone Grafts and Dental Implants?
Depending on your comfort level, bone grafts and dental implant placement can involve several different levels of sedation dentistry. Local numbing with a Novocaine injection is available to keep the treatment area comfortable, and nitrous oxide, often known as “laughing gas,” is another option we offer. Patients who want more support in staying relaxed, or who would prefer to sleep through the procedure entirely, can ask about IV sedation.
An oral sedation option is also available, giving many patients a sensation similar to napping through the appointment. This approach tends to be a popular choice because it is practical and budget-friendly while still allowing you to stay responsive enough to cooperate during the procedure.
Bone Grafting Care at The Smile Architects
At The Smile Architects, our team is ready to help you achieve the smile you have been hoping for, even when bone grafting is part of your treatment plan. Call 704-875-1621 today to schedule an appointment and learn more about our dental implant services.