Is a bone graft needed after extraction if you’re getting a bridge?

Your periodontist may have suggested a graft because it is a front tooth, and the bone shrinks after an extraction. It is a good idea to graft the extraction socket in order to keep the bone from shrinking as much as possible. If the bone shrinks, the replacement tooth will look longer, and it will not look as good when you smile. The only reason it may not matter is if you do not show any gingiva (gums) when you smile and you cannot see that the tooth is longer than normal. Good luck! Dr. Carlos Boudet

I am in a similar situation. I found out recently that I apparently need to have a root canal tooth extracted (a bottom molar; tooth 30). It is not infected, but the crown became loose which caused some slight decay underneath. When my dentist went to remove the decay, the tooth was so thin and fragile that it fractured below the gumline. In addition to the extraction, my dentist also wants to do a bone graft (an allograft) prior to building a bridge to replace the tooth. A bridge, too, means I will lose parts of the adjacent teeth. This will all, of course, also cost me a substantial amount of money. The problem is that I suffer from a chronic neuro immune disease and my regular doctor does not feel very comfortable with the idea of my getting a bone graft due to potential immune system issues. Meanwhile, my dentist says if I don't have a bone graft, I risk bone loss and having a huge gap/dip in that area of my mouth, which could lead to problems in the future. Being so ill, it's difficult for me to get out for a second opinion. I also do not have an x-ray of the tooth to send to another dentist for their thoughts. So, I wonder, how necessary is a bone graft after a molar extraction? Thanks.

I went ahead and had the extraction and bridge without the bone graft. All was fine and I did not have a gap. It looks perfectly normal.. Every case is different though. Hope you are able to get the answer you need.

I feel that the dentists I've seen are over eager to make as much money as they can, adding unnecessary things. My last dentist was upset I was OK with Novocaine and wouldn't pay $350 for gas. Today I was told I need 3 teeth pulled, bone grafts whether or not I have implants or dentures and if I choose implants, even with insurance, my cost will be $36,175. I'm a senior on fixed income. The dentures covered are ugly and painful. For decent (uncovered) dentures or bridges my cost is $6,000.... This is criminal

I just had a wisdom tooth and a molar extracted(I’m 60) with grafting I didn’t need and that cost me over 2k , I was charged for heliplugs that were never inserted, my body started to go into shock so she gave me gas and needed a little more grafting material and that was an extra $625, and I’m being bullied by her and her staff to pay $32k for 2 implants to clip on a bridge! I have no insurance and the lady up front applied for a loan in my name! Who do I contact to help me???