Are Dental Implants Covered By Dental Insurance?
Dental implants are one of today's best options for replacing natural teeth. Dental implants are attractive and durable. Patients with dental implants report that they are lifelike and easy to care for.
Dental implants represent a valuable investment in patients' oral health. Many patients want to know whether their dental insurance covers implants. The simple answer is that some insurance policies cover all or part of the cost of dental implants in certain circumstances. Patients should contact their insurer for further information on their policy.
Situations Where Dental Implants May Receive Insurance Coverage
Many dental plans cover parts of the dental implant procedure, but receiving coverage for the entire process may be challenging. Most insurers consider implants cosmetic dental appliances; therefore, they receive only partial coverage, if any.
One possible exception is when the patient suffers an accidental injury. Patients may receive complete coverage for their implants using a combination of medical and dental policies.
Insurance may cover the initial tooth extraction to make way for the dental implant. It may cover bone grafting needed to give the implant a solid base. It may cover the cost of the crown that replaces the tooth.
Patients should be aware of their policies' deductibles. They will likely need to fulfill your annual deductible before certain costs receive coverage.
Dental Implant Choices
Patients can choose between various types of dental implants: single-tooth implants and implant-supported dentures. Single-tooth implants are an excellent choice for patients missing non-adjacent teeth. Implant-supported dentures can help patients missing a significant number of natural teeth.
Advantages of Dental Implants
Natural Appearance
Today's dental implants look and feel natural. Patients appreciate the restoration of their beautiful smiles.
Long-Lasting
The implant post may last a lifetime with excellent care. The crown or denture on top may need periodic replacement to account for normal wear and tear.
Provide Excellent Chewing Ability
Implants function very much like natural teeth. Patients can chew nearly any food they want, including apples, steak, and popcorn.
Protect Jawbone Mass
Dental implants bond with the jaw and prevent bone deterioration. If the jaw breaks down due to missing teeth, the patient's face shape may change, and their appearance may age.
Preserve Oral Health
Missing or compromised teeth can cause several oral health problems. Food and plaque may become trapped in the gaps between teeth. Teeth often drift into new positions, causing crowding. Crowded teeth are challenging to keep clean, leading to cavities and periodontal disease.
How Dental Implants Work
Dental implants work by surgically placing biocompatible titanium anchors in the jawbone. These posts bond with the bone in osseointegration, providing a rock-solid attachment point for tooth restoration.
The oral surgeon attaches a bridge, denture, or crown to the anchoring posts, creating a natural-looking replacement.
The Process of Receiving Dental Implants
The multi-step dental implant process takes time, but the results are stunning. First, if damaged teeth need replacement, these teeth will need extraction. Sometimes, an oral surgeon can place the implant post while extracting the existing tooth.
If the patient does not possess enough bone mass to site the implant, the surgeon may need to place a bone graft. The surgeon adds a ground bone matrix to the jawbone during a bone graft procedure. The material introduced forms a scaffold-like structure for new bone material to grow. It may take several months for a bone graft to heal.
Next, the surgeon places the implant post. This process takes about 45 minutes for a single tooth. The patient receives local anesthesia and may opt for sedation if they wish.
The post must heal before the surgeon can place the abutment and final restoration. At the end of the process, the patient will have a brilliant, natural-looking smile.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Does dental implant surgery hurt?
The surgery will be painless. You can ask for sedation or general anesthesia if you feel anxious. The recovery period does involve some swelling and discomfort, but your oral surgeon will prescribe appropriate medications.
Why should I replace a missing tooth?
Replacing a missing tooth is a must to protect your oral health. Patients with missing teeth may experience jawbone deterioration, tooth decay, and gum disease.
Call Braasch Oral Surgery
If you want to replace your damaged or missing teeth with implants, please call our Bedford, NH office at 603-657-1984. We can help you navigate your insurance and work with your budget to provide a solution.