Dentist: Extraction (wisdom tooth, implant, molars, procedure)

[k374]

I need to have a wisdom tooth (last upper one) extracted and it is covered under insurance. However, my dentist is pushing me to get a bone graft done at the same time to prevent the adjacent tooth from caving backwards. The bone graft is an additional $300 which is not covered by insurance. I have never had a bone graft in prior extractions or even heard of it. What is the purpose and how necessary or beneficial is it?

[Miborn]

Sounds like he/she needs to make a car payment and is fishing for xtra cash! haha.
Unless you have bone issues and are older I would not see a need for such a procedure.

[thaxil]

Bone graphing after extractions is called socket preservation. Often times it is done in anticipation of future implant placement. However, I never heard of it for third molars. Are you sure it is your wisdom tooth.

[Elipar]

Can't say I've heard of that either. Ask for literature citations.