How Long Do Dental Implants Last?
When dental implants are placed by a qualified and experienced professional, they gradually fuse to the jawbone and become a permanent part of your mouth. As a result, they are considered a lifelong investment that should never need to be replaced. However, the restorations that are placed on top of implants—whether this is a crown, bridge, or denture—are prone to gradual wear and tear over time. With this in mind, you may eventually need to replace your restoration after several years. To ensure your dental implant restorations last for as long as possible, Dr. Abide will help you understand how to care for them and what steps you can take to prolong their lifespan.
Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Insurance coverage for dental implants will vary based on your provider and specific plan. Many dental insurance companies will cover the most affordable tooth replacement option (such as a bridge or denture), but not the dental implant procedure, since it is typically deemed elective. The best way to learn if you have coverage for the cost of dental implants is to contact your insurance provider. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is happy to assist you in navigating your dental insurance benefits to make the payment process as straightforward and stress-free as possible.
How Do I Care for My Dental Implants?
Since dental implants are designed to act like your natural teeth, caring for them will be similar to how you maintain your other teeth. Routine oral hygiene habits, like brushing twice and flossing once daily, as well as attending regular dental checkups and cleanings can help you preserve your dental implants for decades, if not a lifetime.
What Are the Alternatives to Dental Implants?
Whether you are not a good candidate for single tooth dental implants or would simply like to learn about your other tooth replacement options, Dr. Abide will help you understand all of your alternatives. Although dental implants can provide the most lifelike replacement for a missing tooth, other solutions are available for filling gaps. For instance, implant supported bridges and implant dentures provide similar benefits to single tooth implants, but they require fewer implant posts and can replace more teeth at once. This allows many patients who are not candidates for several individual dental implants to still be able to receive anchored restorations. As an alternative to all dental implant solutions, Dr. Abide can educate you on the benefits and limitations of traditional options like bridges or dentures.
Are Dental Implants Safe?
Your comfort and safety are extremely important to us, which is why Dr. Abide will not recommend dental implants unless you have a high chance of success with minimal risk of complications. In general, dental implants are considered safe and effective, as they use a trusted titanium material that has been employed for decades. Although dental implant surgery is regarded as safe when performed by a qualified professional, the procedure does come with some degree of risk, as does any surgery. Dr. Abide will discuss these risks with you during your appointment, thoroughly explaining the pros and cons of the procedure so you can make a well-informed decision about your care.