Dental Implants
There is so much new technology today, including dental procedures. Now if you have a missing tooth, we have the technology to mimic the natural tooth with a simple surgical procedure and most patients hardly remember they even had it. Dental implants have improved over thousands of years since we’ve been on this Earth. Back in the Egyptian times, they just hammered copper pegs into the jawbone. In France, an excavation of a Celtic grave uncovered that they used iron for false teeth. Some other materials have been used in the jaw like rare gems and sea shells. But in 1952 an orthopedic surgeon discovered that titanium was a much better way to replace a tooth. Today dental implants are the most advanced solution for your missing teeth. The only thing we worry about now is are they worth it?
We all know the cost of having dental implants is going to be expensive, but how expensive? Most dental implants cost between $1,000 – 5,000, and that’s depending on how many implants you are needing. One tooth is not going to be as much as several teeth. Then you’ll need to factor in the X-Ray’s, CT Scans, Bone Grafting, Tooth Extraction, and anything else that comes with the process of getting a proper implant. But here are some benefits to having them:
- The ROI (return on investment) is higher than most tooth replacement procedures.
- They can last a lifetime with little to no maintenance, unlike dentures or bridges where you’ll need to replace them on a regular basis.
- You don’t have to worry about eating or speaking, just go on with life as if nothing happened.
- They feel like your natural teeth.
- They preserve the bone and prevent further deterioration of the facial structure.
- They help create a healthier mouth and reduce diseases like chronic infection and any inflammatory disease.
Dentures or Dental Bridges?
If you still don’t think dental implants are worth it, the other alternatives are dentures or dental bridges. Either one of these have major downsides you’ll want to think about. With dentures, they can take a while to get used to. For example eating or even speaking is going to be challenging. To take care of your dentures you’ll need to remove and rinse after eating, being sure not to bend or damage the plastic or clasps. You’ll clean your mouth with a soft toothbrush, making sure you get your cheeks, tongue and the roof of your mouth. Then at night you’ll want to soak them to keep their shape. In the morning you’ll rinse your dentures thoroughly before putting them back in your mouth. You’ll need to schedule regular check ups and see your dentist if you have a loose fit.
Dental bridges can’t be removed but there is still a process to keep them clean. You can brush your teeth as usual with a soft toothbrush but you can’t use a regular floss. Regular floss cannot pass through between the teeth so you’ll need to invest in other options like a water pick or interdental brushes. You’ll also need to watch what you eat because foods that are hard like nuts or ice can damage your bridges.
Can your insurance cover the cost?
Unfortunately, most insurances don’t cover dental implants. You’ll need to talk with your insurance to see what options they might have to help with the cost of your procedure. According to Investopedia, these insurance companies are the best for covering implants.
- Delta Dental Insurance
- Denali Dental
- Spirit Dental & Vision
- Ameritas
- Cigna Dental
Other options if you don’t have insurance, get a personal loan, use your HSA, FSA, HRA, or offer your dentist in-house payment plans. If you have any further questions on whether or not you should invest on dental implants, contact Jenson Dental today to talk with the experts!
