Cavitation surgery in the United States typically costs between $500 and $2,000 per site, depending on the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, and where the practice is located. Most patients end up paying significantly more than that base number once imaging, adjunct therapies, and consultation fees are factored in. Because this procedure is almost never covered by insurance, understanding the full cost breakdown matters before you commit.
What the Surgery Itself Costs
The surgical fee for cavitation cleanup (sometimes called NICO surgery or jawbone osteonecrosis surgery) varies widely across biological dental practices. In the U.S. and Canada, expect to pay roughly $500 to $2,000 per cavitation site. Some patients have cavitations at multiple extraction sites, most commonly where wisdom teeth were removed, so the total can multiply quickly if two or three areas need treatment in the same session.
For comparison, clinics in Mexico that specialize in biological dentistry charge substantially less. The American Biodental Center, for example, lists cavitation surgery at $180 per site for infected tissue, bone, and ligament cleanup, advertising prices at roughly one-third of what U.S. and Canadian clinics charge. Travel costs and follow-up logistics offset some of that savings, but the price gap is large enough that many patients consider it.
Costs Beyond the Procedure
The surgical fee is only part of the total bill. Several additional costs come before, during, and after the procedure.
3D imaging (CBCT scan): Nearly every biological dentist requires a cone beam CT scan to confirm the location and extent of cavitations before surgery. These scans cost $200 to $300 depending on how large an area needs to be imaged. Some practices include this in a bundled surgical fee, but many charge it separately. NYU College of Dentistry lists its CBCT scans in that same $200 to $300 range, with payment due before the scan is taken.
Initial consultation: A case review with a biological dentist typically runs $150 to $350. This visit usually includes a clinical exam, a review of your imaging, and a discussion of your health history. Practices that attract patients from out of state sometimes offer virtual consultations at a lower rate, though most still require an in-person visit before scheduling surgery.
Ozone therapy: Many biological dentists use medical-grade ozone to disinfect the surgical site during or after the procedure. When ozone is applied directly to the jawbone during surgery, it’s often bundled into the surgical fee. But if your practitioner recommends additional ozone sessions for systemic support, those run $200 to $250 per session for standard ozone therapy. More intensive protocols like 10-pass ozone therapy cost $750 to $900 per session.
Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF): Some surgeons draw your blood before the procedure to create a platelet concentrate that’s placed into the surgical site to support healing. This add-on typically costs $200 to $500, though some practices include it as standard.
Why Prices Vary So Much
The biggest factor driving price differences is the surgeon’s level of specialization. Cavitation surgery sits outside mainstream dentistry, and practitioners who have built reputations in this niche, often with decades of experience and advanced training in biological or integrative dentistry, charge premium fees. A general dentist who occasionally performs the procedure will charge less than a specialist who does several cases per week, but the experience gap can affect outcomes.
Geography plays a significant role as well. Practices in major metropolitan areas like New York, Los Angeles, or Miami tend to charge at the higher end of every range. Clinics in smaller cities or rural areas are often more affordable, though there are fewer of them since biological dentistry practices cluster in larger markets.
Sedation is another variable. Some practices perform cavitation surgery under local anesthesia only, while others offer IV sedation or general anesthesia, which can add $500 to $1,500 to the bill. The type of technology used also matters. Surgeons who use piezoelectric instruments or laser-assisted techniques for more precise bone work often charge more than those using conventional surgical tools.
Insurance Rarely Covers It
Cavitation surgery is almost universally an out-of-pocket expense. Most dental and medical insurance plans do not recognize jawbone cavitations as an accepted diagnosis, and there are no widely established billing codes that map cleanly to this specific procedure. Some practitioners attempt to bill under general surgical codes for bone debridement or osteonecrosis treatment, but claims are frequently denied.
A small number of patients have had partial success getting reimbursement through medical (not dental) insurance by framing the procedure as treatment for osteonecrosis of the jaw, but this requires thorough documentation and a cooperative insurance company. Don’t count on it when budgeting.
Some biological dental practices offer payment plans or work with third-party financing companies to help patients spread the cost over several months. It’s worth asking about this during your consultation, especially if multiple sites need treatment.
Estimating Your Total Out-of-Pocket Cost
For a single cavitation site treated in the U.S., a realistic total budget looks something like this:
- Consultation: $150 to $350
- CBCT scan: $200 to $300
- Surgery (one site): $500 to $2,000
- Ozone or PRF add-ons: $200 to $500
- Sedation (if used): $500 to $1,500
That puts the range at roughly $1,550 to $4,650 for a single site with all the extras. Patients needing two or three sites treated in one session can expect the surgical portion to increase proportionally, though most surgeons offer a reduced per-site rate when treating multiple areas at once. A multi-site case with sedation and adjunct therapies can reach $5,000 to $8,000 or more.
If you’re considering treatment in Mexico or another lower-cost destination, the total for a single site with imaging and consultation may come in under $1,000, though you’ll need to factor in travel, accommodation, and the logistics of follow-up care with a local provider back home.