Dental insurance is extremely helpful when it comes to getting the dental care you need. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services at 100% and may cover restorative procedures up to a certain percentage or dollar amount. 

But what about more expensive procedures? Are dental implants covered by dental insurance? In the case of complex or costly procedures, insurance plans may vary. Here’s what you can expect in terms of insurance coverage for dental implants. 

How Do Dental Implants Work? 

When one or more teeth can’t be saved and need to be replaced, dental implants are one option. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that takes the place of the natural root that is missing if a tooth is lost or extracted. An implant is made of titanium and shaped like a screw with threads that help it fuse with the jaw bone. This fusion process, called osseointegration, forms a solid bond between the jaw and the implant. An artificial tooth can be attached to the implant to replace a single tooth. Multiple implants can be placed throughout the jaw to provide support for dentures. 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants? 

It used to be that no insurance providers were willing to cover dental implants due the high cost. They would cover dental bridges because the cost is lower, even though a bridge is an inferior dental prosthetic. Now, due to the high demand for dental implants, more dental insurance providers are offering plans that include some coverage for implants. The change is also due to dental professionals advocating for their patients and emphasizing the dental health benefits of implants. 

You may need to upgrade to a plan with a higher premium in order to get coverage for dental implants, but the added cost may be worth it if you plan to get them sometime in the near future. 

Does Medical Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

In some cases medical insurance will cover dental implants. This is usually in the case of an accident or injury that resulted in the loss of teeth. It may also cover dental implants if the loss of teeth was due to a medical condition, such as oral cancer. If you have dental and medical insurance that both cover dental implants, you may be able to combine coverage to maximize your benefits. 

Can I Afford Dental Implants Without Insurance? 

If you don’t have insurance or if your plan doesn’t cover dental implants, you don’t have to settle for a lower quality option. Financing can make the cost of dental implants more affordable. With low monthly payments you can get dental implants now and pay for them over time. 

Who Provides Dental Implant Placement? 

A variety of dental professionals may offer dental implant placement, including dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons. Dental implant placement is considered a surgical procedure because it involves cutting into the gum tissue as well as the bone. Dr. Miyamoto at Fullerton Oral Surgery is a highly qualified oral surgeon with the necessary training and expertise to perform dental implant surgery. 

 

To learn more, call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to schedule an appointment. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants 

Are dental implants worth the cost?

Dental implants can last a lifetime, so the investment is worth it, even if you pay for them out of pocket. You are investing in a lifetime of natural looking and functioning dental prosthetics. 

Why don’t all insurance plans cover dental implants?

Some insurance providers categorize dental implants as a cosmetic enhancement, which is how they get around providing coverage as part of a standard dental health plan. Many providers offer coverage as an upgrade to a higher tier plan with a higher premium. Insurance would typically rather cover a less expensive option, such as a dental bridge.

Dental implants are an option for replacing missing teeth. When one or more teeth need to be extracted or have been lost due to decay or other damage, dental implants provide a fully functional prosthetic.

In addition to providing dental function, dental implants can also improve your smile. How do they accomplish this? What makes dental implants the best tooth replacement option? Learn how in this overview of dental implants. 

What Are Dental Implants?

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the bone of the jaw. It replaces the natural root of your tooth, providing the same type of support for an artificial tooth. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond. Once the implant is adequately bonded with the bone, the prosthetic can be added.

To replace a single tooth, an artificial crown will be attached to the implant. To replace multiple teeth, a dental bridge or dentures will be attached to multiple implants placed in the jaw. Dental implants are capable of lasting for up to 30 years or more, and most last a lifetime. 

Cosmetic Benefits of Dental Implants

Dental implants offer many cosmetic benefits, such as: 

• Replace missing teeth. Dental implants improve your smile by filling in the gaps where teeth are missing, offering a complete row of teeth. Implant supported dentures can replace multiple teeth to completely transform your smile. 

• Replace damaged teeth. Teeth that are noticeably damaged beyond saving with a crown or other restoration, can be replaced with dental implants to improve your smile. 

• Natural appearance. Dental implants are the most natural looking dental prosthetic because they are anchored in your jaw the same way your natural teeth are. 

 

Health Benefits of Dental Implants

In addition to improving your smile, dental implants also improve your dental and overall health in the following ways: 

• Prevent bone loss. Dental implants prevent the natural loss of bone that occurs in the jaw in the absence of a tooth and root. The jaw bone stays strong and looks natural. 
• Improve gum health. Decaying teeth can cause the development of gum disease, a bacterial infection of the gum tissue. Dental implants replace decayed teeth to prevent gum disease. 
• Restore chewing capabilities. A dental implant provides the same bite and chewing force of a natural tooth, allowing you to effectively chew the foods you enjoy. 
• Improve diet and nutrition. You can also eat healthier foods like crunchy vegetables and fruits when you have fully functional replacement teeth. 

 

Dental Implants vs Dental Bridges: Which is Better?

Another option for replacing one or more teeth is a dental bridge. There are a few differences between the two. A dental bridge is a row of teeth with crowns on both ends. The crowns fit over the natural teeth, using them as support for the replacement teeth, or pontics. The pontics are attached to the crowns and sit on top of the gums. 

The disadvantages of dental bridges are that they do nothing to preserve the bone structure in the jaw. They also permanently alter the healthy teeth they use for support and may eventually cause irreparable damage that requires those teeth to be replaced as well. They don’t look or function as naturally as dental implants. 

Considering Dental Implants? 

Fullerton Oral Surgery provides dental implant placement for eligible patients. After a brief evaluation we can determine whether or not dental implants are the right tooth replacement option for your dental health and your smile.

Call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.

Are you considering dental implants? Dental implants are the highest quality replacement option available. Dental implants can replace anywhere from a single tooth to an entire arch of teeth. 

What Is a Dental Implant? 

A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed in the bone of the jaw. It replaces the natural root of your tooth, providing the same type of support for an artificial tooth. The implant is made of titanium, a biocompatible material that fuses with the bone to form a solid bond. Then a porcelain crown can be attached to the implant to provide a functional, natural looking replacement. 

Dental implants can also provide support for bridges and dentures in cases where multiple or all of the teeth need to be replaced. Implants provide a solid anchor for dental prosthetics, especially dentures, to prevent them from slipping out of place when eating and talking. 

How Long Can I Expect My Dental Implant to Last? 

Once a dental implant has fused to the bone, a process called osseointegration, the dental implant will essentially become a part of the gums and jaw bone. The average lifespan of a dental implant is anywhere from 10-30 years. This means that most likely, depending on your age and how well you take care of it, the implant can last for a very long time. 

Will The Entire Dental Implant Last Forever? 

The term “dental implant” refers more specifically to the root portion of the restoration. The prosthetic is the dental crown, bridge, or denture that is attached to the implant. The root portion of the implant can last forever, but the prosthetic may not. On average, a porcelain crown, bridge, or dentures will last around 10-15 years. With good care, dental prosthetics can often last longer, but you can expect that you may need to replace them at least once in your lifetime. 

What Causes Dental Implant Failure? 

The success rate of dental implants is around 98%. But when they do fail, there is typically a reason that could have been avoided. The following can cause dental implants to fail: 

• Poor dental hygiene. If you don’t take care of your teeth and gums by brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day, it can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is a bacterial infection of the gums caused by plaque that builds up on teeth and hardens into calculus. It can cause the support structures for the implant to weaken, allowing it to become loose or even fall out. 
• Inaccurate placement. If the implant is placed at the wrong angle or depth it can fail to fuse with the bone or come loose later. Poor placement can also cause damage to the jaw bone itself. 
• Smoking and/or tobacco use. The use of tobacco, either through smoking or chewing, impedes oral health by damaging the soft tissues of your mouth and preventing healing of the gums and bone after implant placement. It can prevent the implant from fusing with the bone as it needs to do in order to last. 
• Lack of proper follow up care. You will be given instructions for follow up care after your dental implant is placed. Failure to follow these instructions could mean your dental implant won’t last. You also need to go back for follow up appointments to monitor your healing progress. 

Where Can I Get Dental Implants?

If you need one or more replacement teeth, dental implants are the highest quality option. Fullerton Oral Surgery provides accurate dental implant placement using the latest technology for optimal success. With good oral hygiene habits and regular professional dental cleanings, your dental implant could last for the rest of your life. 

Call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.