Dental implants are a long-term tooth replacement for missing teeth. The result is natural-looking and long-lasting, and it feels just like a regular tooth. While other ways to replace missing teeth, dental implants can provide a natural-looking and long-lasting smile. It’s nearly impossible to tell the difference between your implant and your natural teeth. Visit us to learn more: myimplantdentist.com.au/does-insurance-cover-the-cost-of-dental-implants
What’re dental implants?
A dental implant is an artificial replacement for a tooth’s root. The implant, usually made of titanium and resembles a screw, is surgically placed in the jaw bone. After that, a crown is placed on the implant to cover the gap left by the missing tooth.
Why Get A Dental Implant?
Tooth implants have several advantages over other types of false teeth. Implants, for example:
- Bridges and dentures don’t last as long as implants.
- Prevent bone deterioration
- They are more durable than bridges or dentures, allowing patients to eat hard foods without fear.
- They appear to be real, natural teeth.
- Improve patients’ self-esteem and the appearance of their smiles
- There should be no age limit on who is eligible for treatment.
What is the procedure for implant placement?
Your dentist will take a series of scans to help position the implant and ensure you have enough healthy bone structure. If the bone is diseased or missing, a bone graft may be necessary to make an implant viable.
A titanium implant is surgically implanted into the jawbone to replace a missing tooth. The implant is then left for two to six months to allow the bone to grow around it. During this time, you may wear a temporary crown.
The temporary crown is removed once the implant is securely fused to the bone, and a permanent crown is cemented or screwed into place.
Dental implants can be used to restore your smile even if you are missing all of your teeth and wear a full denture. On as few as four implants, a full arch of natural-looking teeth can be held in place. These snugly fit to make it feel more comfortable and eliminate the need to remove and clean it daily.
How much will a dental implant cost?
The average cost of a single implant is between $2,850 and $6,000, depending on various variables such as the materials used and the severity of your case. If your case is complicated or you require more implants, the cost will almost certainly increase. For example, ‘All-on-4’ implants can cost up to $30,000.
Will my private health insurance cover a dental implant?
Dental implants are sometimes classified as periodontics, so you may be covered if you have an extras policy with central dental’ included (dental specialty dealing with gums and teeth structure).
Even if your policy covers dental implants, there is typically a 12-month waiting period before you can file a claim, though some insurers offer dental without a waiting period. Again, check with your insurance policy to see if any waiting periods apply to you.
Does Medicare cover the cost of dental implants?
Medicare does not cover dental examinations or treatments such as implants, but it may help cover the cost of clinically necessary procedures in some cases. Speak with your dentist about your situation, but be prepared to pay for your implants out of pocket, with the help of private health insurance, or through the public health system (if eligible).
Is dental implants Hospital covered?
Some insurance policies will cover dental implants as part of their hospital coverage; however, those who undergo this surgery need to be admitted inpatient to a hospital. Because most implants are performed in an outpatient setting, you’d have to have special anesthetic needs or extensive bone grafting to be covered under this policy.
What are some of the alternatives to an implant?
Dentures, also known as false teeth, are a traditional alternative to implants. Dentures can and should be removed for cleaning at least twice a day.
A dental bridge is a more permanent tooth replacement option. The dental bridge is held in place by healthy teeth on either side of the gap and sits over the gap where a tooth once stood. Bridges are only an option if both sides of the gap left by a missing tooth are healthy.