Alternatives to Dental Implant

Is dental implant right for you?

Remember the excitement of losing a tooth when you were six years old? Well, that excitement fizzled somewhere on the road to adulthood. Losing a tooth as an adult is hardly a cause for celebration.

But there is a silver lining to the lost-tooth storm cloud—dental implants. Made from titanium posts that attach directly to the jawbone and anchor a permanent artificial tooth, implants are becoming increasingly popular restorations to replace one or a few teeth. Record numbers of Americans are paying upwards of $2000 out-of-pocket per implant. In fact, over the last ten years the number of patients receiving dental implants has tripled, according to an American Dental Association survey.

Implants are lifelike and practically indistinguishable from natural teeth, and they fit so securely that you won't even notice them when you chew and speak. In essence, they're the next best thing to your natural teeth. And implant dentistry has advanced to the point that dentists can place implants with the same confidence and skills they've used in the past for crowns and bridges.

Who is a Candidate for Dental Implants?

Anyone who is missing one or more teeth due to injury, disease or tooth decay may be a candidate for dental implants. The determining factor is the amount of available bone. Your dentist is the best person to evaluate whether dental implants are a viable solution for you.

Is old age a problem for Implants?

Occasionally, older patients express concern that their age may prevent them from enjoying the benefits of dental implants. However, health is more of a determining factor than age. If you’re healthy enough to have a tooth extracted, you’re probably healthy enough to receive dental implants. Certain chronic diseases may contraindicate dental implant treatment. Your dentist will determine if you are a candidate for dental implants after a careful evaluation of your dental and health history.

What are the advantages of dental implants over dentures or a dental bridge?

Improved appearance: When you lose the entire tooth - crown and root - shrinkage of the jawbone may cause your face to look older. Dental implants can stop this process. A traditional denture or dental bridge doesn’t.

Preserve natural teeth: With traditional dental bridges, teeth adjacent to missing teeth are normally ground down to be used as anchors for a dental bridge. Dental implants often eliminate the need to modify healthy teeth.

Permanent solution: There are no loose parts to worry about losing. The dental implant is stable and comfortable. No adjustment is need after placement. Normally, it will serve its owner for life.

Does Dental Insurance cover implants?

Although most companies exclude dental implants as a covered benefit, many of them will pay the same benefit they would cover for the lowest cost alternative treatment option (partials and dentures) and some of the diagnostic records, if a specific request is made for "alternative benefits." Even if an individual policy includes implants as a covered benefit, the amount of coverage is still limited to the annual maximum allowable.

Call our office today to find out about our implant specials!