When you are living with a compromised tooth it causes many challenges. It might be painful when you eat, or make you feel self-conscious when you smile. Your dentist has recommended a dental implant to restore your smile, however, you’re not sure this is the best option for you since it does present a higher up front cost. Will your dental insurance help? Are there other options? Here are some answers about dental implants in Cumming to help you make your decision.
What is a Dental Implant?
Your dentist has recommended an implant to replace your failing tooth because it’s the best option dentistry has to offer. This is because it will closely mimic your natural tooth so you’ll enjoy the function you had before. It will also offer great longevity, as it can potentially last a lifetime while other options may need to be replaced in the future.
An implant utilizes a titanium post placed into your jawbone to act as your new root, and a porcelain crown that is customized to match your lost tooth and complement your smile.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Every insurance plan is unique, so it’s important to research yours before your implant procedure takes place. Many dental insurance companies are now acknowledging the long-term benefits of dental implants by offering coverage for them.
If your plan does this, you will typically have a percentage of your treatment covered up to your yearly maximum. You will likely still have a fairly large out-of-pocket cost, so many dental offices work with companies like Care Credit, who break treatment costs into affordable monthly payments for qualified patients.
Other Treatment Options
If dental implants are out of reach for your budget, you may look at a dental bridge or partial, depending on how many teeth you need to replace. A dental bridge is an option for replacing one or more adjacent teeth, while a partial can replace multiple missing teeth in different locations. Both of these options are designed to last for around 12-15 years before needing replacement and they are less expensive up front than dental implants.
With so many great options available to you, there’s really no reason to live with a compromised tooth! Schedule a consultation with your dentist today to learn more.
About the Author
Dr. Brian Lee and Dr. Katherine Lee lead the team at Dentistry at Windermere. We focus on providing high quality dentistry designed to meet all of your needs here at our practice. We welcome patients of all ages, and we provide many amenities to ensure that your experience is exceptional every time you visit.
If you’d like to contact our doctors, they can be reached through our website, or by calling 770-205-1212.