Dental Code D6104: Bone graft at time of implant placement

Dental Code D6104 refers to the procedure of performing a bone graft at the time of dental implant placement. This code is used to bill for the additional surgical step of grafting bone material into the jawbone to enhance its strength and volume, creating an ideal foundation for successful implant integration. 

On average, patients pay $550 for this D6104 service at the dentist's office, with as little as $290 charged for this in less expensive cities and as much as $980 in more expensive cities.

Low cost of living	Medium cost of living	High cost of living
Memphis (Tennessee), Cincinnati (Ohio)	Miami (Florida), Denver (Colorado), Austin (Texas)	(New York (New York), San Francisco (California)
$290	$550	$980

However, the price for the service D6104 depends not only on the region where you live, but also varies from dentist to dentist. Therefore, it makes sense to compare prices before choosing a dentist. The best way to do this price comparison is at Dr. BestPrice and save a lot of money. 

Dental Code D6104 specifically pertains to the process of bone grafting carried out simultaneously with the placement of a dental implant. A bone graft involves the transplantation or addition of bone material to an area where the natural bone is deficient or has resorbed. In dental implantology, bone grafting is often necessary when the jawbone lacks sufficient thickness, height, or density to support a dental implant securely.

Before proceeding with a bone graft at the time of implant placement, a thorough evaluation of the patient's dental and medical history is conducted. X-rays, such as panoramic radiographs or cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, are taken to assess the jawbone's condition and determine the best approach for bone grafting.

The patient is administered local anesthesia to ensure comfort during the procedure. An incision is made in the gum tissue to expose the underlying jawbone and provide access to the implant site.

The implant site is prepared by creating a small hole or channel in the jawbone using specialized drills. The size and depth of the hole are precisely determined to accommodate the dental implant.

During the bone graft placement step, the chosen bone graft material is carefully positioned in the area of bone deficiency or defect. There are different types of bone graft materials that can be used, depending on the patient's needs and the dentist's preference.
One commonly used bone graft material is autograft, which is bone harvested from the patient's own body. The autograft is usually taken from another area in the patient's mouth, such as the chin, the back part of the jaw, or the hip. Autografts are advantageous because they contain live bone cells and provide a natural scaffold for new bone growth. However, harvesting bone from the patient's body requires an additional surgical site and may extend the duration of the procedure.

Another option is allograft, which involves using bone graft material from a tissue bank. Allografts are carefully processed and sterilized to ensure safety and eliminate the risk of disease transmission. This method eliminates the need for a secondary surgical site, making it less invasive for the patient. Allografts serve as a framework for new bone formation and encourage the body's natural healing process.

Synthetic bone graft materials, known as alloplasts, are also available. Alloplasts are made from biocompatible materials, such as calcium phosphate or hydroxyapatite, which closely resemble natural bone. These materials provide structural support and gradually get replaced by the patient's own bone over time. Alloplasts are advantageous because they eliminate the need for a secondary surgical site and reduce the risk of complications associated with harvesting bone from the patient's body.

Once the bone graft material is placed, the dentist carefully shapes and secures it to ensure proper contact with the surrounding bone. This promotes optimal integration and new bone growth. In some cases, a resorbable membrane may be used to cover the graft site and protect it during the healing process.

After the bone graft is successfully positioned, the next step is the placement of the dental implant. The dental implant is a small, titanium post that serves as an artificial tooth root. It is carefully inserted into the prepared site in the jawbone.

The dentist uses specialized drills to create a precise hole or channel in the jawbone that matches the size and shape of the dental implant. The implant is then gently guided into place, ensuring stability and proper alignment. The implant is designed to fuse with the surrounding bone through a process called osseointegration.

Osseointegration is crucial for the long-term success of the dental implant. It involves the direct contact and integration of the implant's surface with the surrounding bone. Over a period of several months, the bone cells gradually grow and attach to the implant, providing a strong and stable foundation for the final dental restoration.

Once the implant is placed, a healing cap or temporary abutment may be attached to the implant to protect it during the initial healing phase. This temporary component allows the gum tissue to heal around the implant while maintaining the space for the eventual placement of the permanent dental restoration.

The gum tissue is sutured back into place to facilitate proper healing. Over time, the bone graft material fuses with the patient's natural bone, increasing its volume and strength. The healing process typically takes several months, allowing for osseointegration, the bonding of the implant with the surrounding bone.

Dental Code D6104 represents the bone grafting procedure performed concurrently with dental implant placement. This procedure is crucial in cases where the jawbone lacks sufficient quantity or quality to support a dental implant effectively. By adding bone graft material to the deficient area, the implant's stability and long-term success are significantly improved.

Please remember that prices for dental procedures can vary. Visit Dr. BestPrice to compare and save money on dental care.