Dental implants
Have you ever wondered whether dental implants are worth the cost? If so, you’re not alone. Dental implants are among the most successful and long-lasting dental restorations on the market, but with their price tag comes some apprehension from patients who are hesitant to make such an investment in their teeth.
To help you get an idea of whether or not dental implants might be right for you, we’ve put together this handy list of common questions and answers about dental implants in 2024.
If you have questions about dental implants that aren’t answered here, feel free to contact us directly.
What is Dental Implant?
Dental implant is a surgical procedure which fixes and replaces teeth roots with titanium screwlike posts. These titanium posts are implanted into the jawbone under the gums. Once the implants are in, they provide a good foundation for crowns to be placed on top.
What Factors Can Affect Success?
There are a few factors that can affect dental implant success, including:
- The condition of your jawbone (soft tissue)
- The skill of your dentist and oral surgeon
- Whether you smoke or not
- Whether you wear removable dentures
Your dentist will conduct tests to determine if your bone is healthy enough for an implant—or if one should be placed at all.
Avoid smoking if you can
Smoking is by far one of the most important risk factors when it comes to dental implant failure. Smokers are less likely to heal after surgery and they’re also more likely to experience complications.
Can a Failed Dental Implant Be Saved?
Failed implants can happen for many reasons, so if you’ve had an implant pulled out recently, it doesn’t mean that another attempt will end in failure.
Instead of rushing out and asking your original dentist about getting a new implant right away, ask yourself these questions: Was your last implant too shallow? Were there oral issues? Could they have been resolved in another way?
Sometimes it’s worth getting a second opinion from another local dentist who is experienced in dental implants.
What Are the Alternatives If My Implants Fail?
You have a few options if your implants fail. The first is to undergo dental surgery again and have them replaced. The second option is to use conventional dentures, the third alternative is dental implant-supported overdentures; these prosthetics replace your natural top row of teeth in addition to any lower implants that may be missing. These prosthetics are more comfortable than conventional dentures and less expensive than having multiple implants implanted and then replacing them later down the road.
Consult with an experienced dentist for more information about dental implant alternatives.
Does Insurance cover the Cost of Dental Implant?
The short answer is yes, many times. The long answer is that each insurance company has its own rules and restrictions regarding what procedures they will pay for as part of their coverage.
For example, some insurance companies may not pay anything towards a dental implant treatment if you have had previous teeth removed or if you are over a certain age. There are other things that can impact your coverage like whether your dental implant is considered optional or non-optional.
You should contact your provider to get more information on how they handle coverage for dental implants and related procedure costs. If you recently joined a new health fund or just thinking about joining one, please be aware that some health funds place a waiting period before you can claim dental implant-related costs.
Do Dental Implants Have Long-Term Risks and Complications?
It depends. Like any other treatment method, dental implants may have risks in some circumstances. With modern dental implant surgery, however, these complications and risks can be mitigated or even prevented with proper care and maintenance. That’s why it’s important to take special care of your dental implants—and that includes brushing and flossing them daily as well as eating a healthy diet and not smoking tobacco. Remember to follow specific after-care instructions from your dentist.
