Do You Qualify for Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the great innovations in the field of restorative dentistry. This revolutionary technique has helped millions of people replace their missing teeth with the highest quality permanent solution. Bridges and dentures cannot compete, because they are only temporary solutions that do not always provide the results people are looking for.

Who qualifies for dental implants?

In general, a person who is missing a tooth is qualified for dental implant surgery. Whether you have lost the tooth to severe decay, lost it in an accident, or your dentist needed to extract the tooth because of disease or decay, you will be left with a gap in your smile. A dentist may insist that you are healthy enough to undergo the procedure, however. You must be generally healthy for the implant to properly bond to your jawbone. Many elderly patients may find that they do not qualify as candidates for this procedure because of the loss of bone density. Others may be rejected as candidates if they have other medical conditions such as active diabetes, cancer, or periodontal disease. These circumstances make the procedure a health risk.

Does insurance cover the procedure?

Although this procedure may be seen as necessary, most gaps can be temporarily fixed with the use of a bridge or dentures. Some insurance companies do not see this as a necessary oral health procedure. Others are particular as to which tooth it is and whether the function and health of your mouth is compromised as a result of losing a certain tooth. There are plans that include optional insurance specifically for dental implants, covering you in case you need one. You need to speak with your dentist and your insurance company to see if you qualify for this procedure and whether it will be covered.

How do I finance the procedure?

For a single implant, you’re looking at between $1000 to $5000 dollars depending on the specifics of your health and which tooth needs to be replaced. If you need several dental implants, you could spend as much as $100,000. If you are unable to get augmentative insurance for this surgery, many oral health offices can help you finance the procedure. There are also third party lenders that work specifically with medical loans for this type of elective procedure. You can also secure personal loans or work with a credit card company willing to offer you a low interest rate on medical expenses.

If you’re unsure if you qualify for this procedure and are not sure how to go about paying for it with or without insurance, speak to your dentist or ask that you be referred to a specialist. The first consultation with the doctor will help you decide if getting dental implants is the right course of action for you.