Archive for July, 2009

Dental implants and dental insurance

Tuesday, July 28th, 2009

Dr. Cohen,
I’m interested in getting dental implants, but I’m wondering if they are covered by dental insurance?
- Gary in Pennsylvania

Gary,
Usually dental implants are not “covered” by dental insurance, but you will get some benefits. In an effort to cut costs and maintain their profits, dental insurance companies will usually pay benefits based on the least expensive option for replacing missing teeth. This is understandable from their point of view, but from your point of view that generally means fairly stingy benefits. The least expensive way to replacing missing teeth is ordinarily with a removable appliance, which is also the most uncomfortable for the patient. So they will usually help with payment, but only to that extent.

Other links:
Read about how we make dental implants affordable.
Read more about the costs of dental implants.
mynewsmile.com has a page of basic dental implants information

Posted in Dental Insurance | No Comments »

Thursday, July 16th, 2009

I am in need of three dental implants and possibly some bone grafting. How do dentists determine if you’re a good candidate for bone grafting? I have had missing teeth for 25 years, and there is some bone loss where the teeth were.

I just got done with braces to close up all of the gaps that these three missing teeth have caused and want to know where to go next. My general dentist wants to do implants but I would like someone who is more experiened.
- Ellen in Texas

Ellen,
To tell if you’re a good candidate for bone grafting, we look at your overall general health. If you’re in good general health, generally you are a good candidate for dental implants and for bone grafting, if that is necessary.

As far as finding a good implant dentist, you do need to be careful here. Implant dentistry isn’t a recognized specialty, so there are no standards of required training. You need to look at the dentist’s list of credentials and see if there is substantial training in implant dentistry. Also look for membership in a respected dental implants organization such as the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. The Academy of Osseointegration is another. These are indications of a serious interest in this field and the extensive extra training that is required.

Link:
Chicago implant dentist
Read information from mynewsmile.com on dental implants. Dr. Cohen is recommended by this website.

Posted in Implant Surgery | No Comments »