Patients visiting a restorative dentist in Fort Worth, TX ask, does dental insurance cover the cost of implants?

At Sycamore Dental, patients in the area of Fort Worth, TX and the surrounding communities can ask our dentist, Dr. Vidya Suri, about the options available to them for restoring the smile. Our restorative professionals are pleased to offer dental implants as a solution to missing teeth—but many patients have questions about these restorations. What are dental implants? How do they work? Does my insurance cover the cost of dental implants? All these questions—and more—can be addressed during a consultation appointment with our staff.

What is a dental implant?

A dental implant is a specially manufactured anchor that looks like a small post or screw. They are often made of titanium metal, a material that is strong, durable, and biocompatible with the body. This implant is surgically placed into the patient’s jawbone to become the base of another restoration including a dental crown, a dental bridge, or even a full denture. The implant helps anchor the restoration in place and allow patients to repair their smile, addressing beauty, function, and overall health and wellness. The implant acts as a tooth root replacement and, because it is placed in the bone, can provide stability unlike any other restoration available in our dental facility.

How are dental implants placed?

Dental implants require a specialized three-step process to obtain.

• First, Dr. Vidya Suri will place the dental implant into the jawbone during oral surgery. Special coverage is placed over the dental implant as it heals. This may take several months, during which the bone of the jaw will grow and develop around the dental implant to hold it firmly in place.
• Second, once the bone has developed, the patient will revisit the dentist to have the implant uncovered. The surrounding gum tissue may require some additional time to heal, which can take a few more months until the patient is cleared for restoration.
• Third, after the healing of the gum tissues is complete, the implant can now be used as the foundation for a new tooth. A dental crown may be placed over the abutment of the dental implant to replace a single tooth, or for patients who require several teeth, dental bridges or dentures.

The process can last anywhere from five to nine months for completion, depending on the patient’s specific situation and the time required for sufficient healing.

How do I care for my dental implant?

Dental implants really require no additional special care in the same way other restorations do. Patients can brush and floss their teeth and implant area as they would any other natural tooth in the smile. Patients must also learn the importance of keeping the smile healthy when they have a dental implant, as periodontal disease can cause bone loss and result in the loss of restorations such as implants. This is why it is crucial that patients take care of their smile each and every day and visit the dentist on a routine basis for evaluation. X-rays may be taken to look at the health of the bone during visits and ensure that the implant is still firmly in place.

How much do dental implants cost?

Dental implants are typically much more expensive than restorations such as dental bridges, but they have their benefits—functioning and appearing as natural teeth. Many patients will ask if their dental insurance will provide coverage. Each dental insurance plan is different, so we encourage patients to bring their dental insurance cards with them to their appointment so our front office can determine the benefits available for implants. During the initial consultation appointment, we can also offer a pre-treatment estimate that can be submitted to insurance for review to determine the services that may be covered prior to developing a payment plan.

Discuss the possibilities of restoration with dental implants by speaking with our team

At Sycamore Dental, patients in and around the community of Fort Worth, TX area are welcome to speak with Dr. Vidya Suri and her staff about the benefits of dental implants, while also discussing possible coverage provided by dental insurance. When patients visit our facility, they will learn about the treatments available to them and can work with our front office staff to discuss dental insurance coverage options. Call our team at (817) 438-1828 and visit at [address].