FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. What is involved with taking care of dental implants?
A. The home care recommended varies depending upon the type of implant supported replacement teeth. For example, a single implant supported crown is cleaned like a natural tooth, with regular brushing and flossing. Implant supported bridges that replace a few teeth are cleaned like tooth supported bridges, brushing and flossing with a floss threader.

Home care is a little more complicated for people who are missing all of their teeth, in that special brushes and floss are often recommended. With overdentures, it is necessary to clean the implant attachments, as well as the overdenture. Permanently fixed implant supported replacement teeth are cleaned like all other bridges.

In all cases, it is recommended that patients see their regular dentist and hygienist at least twice each year unless they routinely see the periodontist, in which case they would continue to alternate visits. It is usually recommended that the patient see the surgical specialist who places the implant(s) at least once each year as well. These visits, combined with proper home care, are essential to the long term success of implant treatment.

Q. Will there be any restrictions to my lifestyle?
A. No. You will be able to undertake any activity that you would with normal teeth. This includes eating and drinking whatever you choose. Your new replacement teeth will look, feel and function like natural teeth, which will allow you to forget about them and enjoy life as it was meant to be enjoyed.

Q. Is dental implant treatment covered by dental insurance?
A. Insurance coverage of implant treatment depends on the individual policy. However, it is rare to receive any substantial coverage. Since the benefit coverage is determined strictly by the amount the employer wants to spend on the policy, and the insurance companies want to build in their profit margins, there are major limitations on most dental insurance plans. In reality, the plans are only designed to cover routine maintenance, emergencies and basic care.

The insurance companies use statistical data to determine the most common procedures submitted on claims, and then they set their own usual and customary fee schedule for these procedures. They also determine the specific restrictions and limitations for each plan. Because the plans are only intended to cover the basics, there is an annual maximum allowable benefit of $1,000-$1,500 on most plans.

Although most companies exclude implants as a covered benefit, many of the will pay the same benefit they would cover for the lowest cost alternative treatment option (partials and dentures) and some of the diagnostic records, if a specific request is made for alternative benefits. Even if an individual policy includes implants as a covered benefit, the amount of coverage is still limited to the annual maximum allowable.

Q. Does medical insurance cover implant treatment?
A. There are a few cases where medical insurance is available for people who are missing all of their teeth, and as a result, have medical complications. This type of coverage depends solely on the individual policy. Other than these situations, medical coverage is very rare.

Work related injuries and other types of accidents are the other cases that are sometimes covered by insurance. Medicare does not cover implant treatment. All in all, it is best to assume that there is no medical insurance coverage available.