When meeting with your dentist to discuss your tooth replacement options, it is likely one of the most important factors is the price. There’s no denying that dental implant cost is significantly higher than more traditional solutions; however, when you begin to compare the time spent maintaining a fixed bridge or denture as well as the money spent on replacements, you may find dental implants to be more cost-effective than you originally thought. Read on to find out more about these superior prosthetics and why they’re worth the investment.
Dental Implants and Insurance: What You Should Know
Before agreeing to move forward with dental implants, you should know that most insurance companies will not provide coverage for your surgery. Unfortunately, most insurers do not view these prosthetics as medically necessary, resulting in many patients turning to more traditional methods of tooth replacement (i.e., fixed bridge or dentures). While these are effective at restoring the look of your smile, they cannot hold up against the many benefits of dental implants.
As you attempt to decide how you will plan to pay for your treatment, there are few things you should consider:
- Your dental insurance may cover other aspects of treatment, such as your consultation, restoration, or any preliminary treatments (i.e., tooth extractions, bone grafting, periodontal therapy).
- Inquire about flexible financing options through third-party companies like CareCredit. You may be eligible to enroll in a low or no interest payment plan that allows you to break up the cost of your treatment and stay within your budget.
Dental Implants vs. Traditional Tooth Replacements
Yes, it’s no secret that dental implants will cost more upfront; however, as you begin to compare the overall price tag for your permanent fixtures versus those that do not require surgical placement, you can see why it’s better to invest in a more reliable and long-term solution like dental implants.
- Replacements: Dentures and fixed bridges often need to be replaced every 5-15 years. Dental implants, on the other hand, can last a lifetime when properly cared for and maintained. While your restoration will likely need to be replaced, your titanium posts can stay firmly in place.
- Upkeep: The time you spend cleaning and soaking your dentures can become a hassle over time. Not to mention the additional products and tools you’ll need to buy to ensure they are cleaned properly (i.e., denture brush and cleaner). Dental implants can be cleaned just like your regular teeth, making for an easier and less time-consuming process.
- Facial Changes: Your jawbone will continue to deteriorate over time with dentures and fixed bridges. Why? Because they are not placed into the jawbone like dental implants. As a result, your face can change shape and ultimately “collapse,” causing you to seek professional treatment to fix this common problem. With implants, you can maintain a more youthful appearance from the start.
- Stability: Denture-wearers often purchase denture adhesives to help keep them in place. Meanwhile, dental implants do not require any additional fixatives, as they are fused with the bone and tissues.
Dental implants will not only improve your smile, but they’ll go a long way to give you a better quality of life. This is why they are well worth the initial investment and will ultimately save you lots of money in the long run.
About the Author
Dr. Douglas Baldwin is an expert at dental implants. Receiving his degree at University of Texas colleges in Arlington and San Antonio, he went on to earn a dental degree and has spent years learning about innovative technologies to bring to his patients in North Texas. Studying at the California Implant Institute, he is knowledgeable and skilled with implant dentistry and strives to help patients achieve fully restored smiles with the help of dental implants. To learn more about Dr. Baldwin or the services offered at his practice, contact us at (817) 478-4300.