Dental implants examples on teal background

Where to start with dental implants.

Personally, I believe that they’re hands down the best invention in modern dentistry (not-so-modern anymore, I should say).

But:

What are dental implants?

In this blog, I’ll answer that very question.

Additionally, I’ll discuss:

  • If insurance will cover dental implants
  • How dental implants will help you

Keep reading to find out!

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a surgical component usually made of titanium.

They’re integrated into the jaw where teeth are missing to support a dental prosthesis such as a crown, bridge, or denture.

What can dental implants fix?

Your dentist can use dental implants to replace missing teeth.

And:

They’ll restore your smile’s function and bite!

Eating is arguably the top pleasure we experience as humans. The inability to chew can lead to a significant risk for malnutrition and depression due to the loss of one of life’s most essential delights.

Even more fascinating is the following:

Dental implants not only recover your bite’s function but also:

  • Restore your smile
  • Allow you to regain your confidence
  • Improve your quality of life

Dental implants are nothing short of miraculous.

Several studies about the physiological effects of smiling have revealed amazing results: smiling has powerful hormonal effects on our bodies, such as:

  • Reducing the level of stress-enhancing hormones like cortisol
  • Increasing the levels of mood-enhancing hormones like dopamine
  • Reducing blood pressure

Overall, smiling leads to a longer, happier, healthier life.

Are dental implants right for me?

There is no question in my mind that if the bone density is adequate and health permits, dental implants are the best solution to replacing missing teeth.

I call them the ’Ferraris’ of dentistry.

However:

Sometimes, we’re unable to place implants for various reasons, so we need to look at alternative options.

Dental bridges

Another option for replacing missing teeth is fixed bridges. Bridges will use the neighboring teeth on either side of the gap to anchor the replacement teeth.

Bridges can be a good alternative treatment option if implants are not possible. However, they have their limitations, mainly the heavy physical forces absorbed during mastication (chewing) by the anchor teeth.

Removable dentures

Tissue/tooth-supported removable dentures are the final option, which is hated by most.

It usually is challenging to get good retention of these dentures due to the resorption of the bone and tissue in the edentulous area.

And most importantly, they significantly decrease the experience of eating due to their limitations in masticatory forces.

Does dental insurance cover dental implants?

The truth is, I can’t find a better way to say this but, most dental insurances suck.

Unfortunately, most insurance companies do not carry any dental implant coverage because they consider the procedure being ‘cosmetic.’

How can something that can change your life and improve your health be cosmetic?

Take my word for it:

Dental insurances are very hard to deal with.

To be honest, the product you as a consumer are receiving when purchasing dental insurance should be viewed more as a ‘dental coupon’ than true dental insurance.

The most common maximum benefit is the exact same today as it was 20 to 30 years ago.

How can that be?

How can these numbers remain the same while the cost of living and dental materials have considerably gone up?

I’ll tell you why:

Because they suck. Smh.

On a brighter note, you should know that our dental board is constantly battling the insurance companies to improve the numbers for you.

That being said, it’s always wise before subscribing to an insurance plan to investigate in detail what the benefits are.

At TLC Dentistry, we have several patients that are lucky enough to be covered and don’t know it.

Considering getting dental implants?

If you think you may benefit from dental implants due to one or few missing teeth, it’s definitely worth paying an extra premium for insurance if one of the plans offered to you includes implant coverage.

If you don’t have implant coverage, please know that our office also offers an in-office membership plan… This text opens a new tab to the TLC Dentistry Membership Club website… that allows you to save a significant amount of dollars on your treatment, including dental implants!

Our team is excellent at recommending insurance plans that fit your needs.

If you have any questions regarding dental insurance or our in-office membership plan, please don’t hesitate to give us a ring: 831-­757­-1038.

Don’t forget to leave us a comment if this was of any help and if you have any feedback!

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Live, love, smile.

Sami Sreis, DMD
TLC Dentistry