You didn’t take the best care of your teeth when you were younger, and you paid the price for it recently when your dentist had to extract a few of your pearly whites because they were severely decayed. There are a lot of options out there to fill the gaps in your grin, but none come with as many benefits as dental implants. However, you’ve heard that implants can cost a pretty penny. Will your insurance cover the cost of dental implants? Keep reading to find out.
First, What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a small titanium post meant to mimic the root structure of a missing tooth. Prior to being placed in your mouth, it resembles a screw. Your dentist or oral surgeon will make tiny incisions in your gum tissue and insert the post into your jawbone. Over the next three to six months, the bone grows around the implant post until it’s essentially a part of your own body. After your mouth has fully healed, you’ll return to your dentist’s office, where you’ll receive your crown, bridge, or denture, depending on how many teeth you were missing.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Unfortunately, dental insurance is very unlikely to cover the cost of the implant itself. This is because many insurance companies see implants as a cosmetic procedure despite their ability to restore and improve your oral health.
However, you shouldn’t let that deter you from getting implants. Your insurance may elect to cover certain portions of the treatment, such as your consultation, a tooth extraction, or your restoration.
Why Dental Implants Are Worth the Cost
While they might carry a high initial price tag, rest assured that dental implants are worth every penny. Currently, they are the only solution to tooth loss that replaces the entire structure of the tooth, not just the crown. The implant posts stimulate growth of the jawbone and prevent your facial muscles from prematurely drooping and wrinkling, keeping you looking young for years to come. They also restore more of your biting force than other options like dentures.
Perhaps the best advantage of dental implants is their longevity. With proper maintenance, they have the potential to last upwards of 30 years, possibly even a lifetime. Compare this with dentures and bridges, which have to get replaced every five to ten years. All that replacement can quickly add up to a higher cost than what you’d pay for a dental implant.
Overall, dental implants are widely considered the gold standard for tooth replacement. Even if your insurance won’t cover the full cost, they are well worth the price. After all, a healthy, beautiful smile is truly priceless!
About the Author
Dr. Armin M. Tepner earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the Indiana University School of Dentistry. He has completed advanced training in occlusion as well as sedation dentistry. In addition, he is a member of the Implant Study Club. His team will do their utmost to maximize your insurance benefits and minimize the out-of-pocket costs of your implants. To learn more, visit Dr. Tepner’s website or call (317) 878-3384.