Are dental implants covered by insurance?

In most cases, dental implants are not covered by dental insurance. However, some insurance companies have started providing some level of coverage due to the long-term patient benefits of dental implants, compared to other dental treatment options.

It’s important for you to contact your insurance company about the coverage as some dental insurances may help pay for the implant crown portion. You might also want to ask them if they will give you an allowance towards dental implants equal to the cost of the other dental treatment options (e.g., a bridge or traditional dentures) that they cover.

At Implant and Periodontal Institute of Torrance, we offer affordable financing through CareCredit. [Note: Certain conditions may apply.]

Please contact us if you have any questions about dental implants and financing options. Telephone: 310-320-5661

How long do dental implants last?

Dental implants can last well over 15 years or longer if you properly maintain them with adequate brushing and flossing as well as regular dental check-ups and a cleaning twice a year.

A crown or bridge, however, has a shorter lifespan, ranging from 10 to 15 years before requiring replacement due to daily wear.

There are patients who had their dental implants placed over 30 years ago and their implants are still functioning properly today. In fact, the first human who had dental implants ever placed in 1965 died in 2006. His implants were still functional at the time of his death. So his implants lasted for over 40 years!

At Implant and Periodontal Institute of Torrance, we offer 30-year warranty on our implants. [Note: Certain conditions may apply.]

Please contact us if you have any questions at 310-320-5661.

Can my body reject a dental implant?

According to the International Congress of Oral Implantologists it is rare that your body will reject your dental implant if properly treated by an experienced dentist.

However, your dental implant may not properly fuse to the bone or it can come loose from the bone for a variety of reasons, including, but not limited to:

1. Trauma

2. Infection (Your mouth is full bacteria that can cause infection.)

3. Your health status

4. Your bone condition (density and volume, etc.)

If the implant fails and needs to be replaced, in most cases we would require for the bone to properly heal once again. Our office would then replace the implant at no extra cost.

If you have any questions about dental implants, please contact our Torrance office at 310-320-5661 or visit our website, www.ipioftorrance.com.

Why should I go to a dental implant specialist vs a general dentist?

A dental implant specialist has completed multiple years of extra training and schooling in regards to dental implant surgery beyond what a general dentist has. Their experience in performing surgery is most likely multiple times that of a general dentist.

An analogy would be if you were to have a simple brain tumor removed, would you see a general medical practitioner or specialist who has done many types of brain surgeries within his/her lifetime.

It all comes down to experience and numbers.

How many teeth can be replaced with dental implants?

Implants can replace any tooth in the mouth aside from wisdom teeth. Depending on the situation, everyone's need is different. But the number of implants needed is largely determined by the final restoration. For example, the number of implants required to replace one crown, a bridge or a denture is different.

What is the minimum age requirement for dental implants?

There is no minimum age requirement for having dental implant surgery. There is, however, a time when it’s suitable for implant placement. That is after the patient is fully grown skeletally. That means that the patient has completed his/her growth and the bone structure has reached its adult form. A x ray of wrist can confirm full skeletal growth.

What can happen if I don’t replace a missing tooth?

One of the more common events that could occur if a missing tooth is not replaced is drifting or movement of the adjacent and / or opposing teeth. Adjacent teeth move into the space of the missing tooth and the opposing teeth could move upwards or downwards to the space of the missing tooth.  This could potentially affect one’s chewing function and the overall occlusal balance which can potentially damage the jaw joints and possibly cause headaches and migraines. Also, when a tooth is not replaced, the underlying bone could shrink in height and width which could limit replacement options in the future.

Do implants require special care?

Taking care of implants is similar to taking care of natural teeth. One can brush them and floss them similar to natural teeth. Of course, decay cannot occur on dental implants, however we still need to be concerned with bone loss around implants, similar to gum disease, but around implants. Your dentist may provide you with special tools and instructions to better take care of them. A yearly check up on implants with x rays is recommended to ensure the implants are in a state of good health. Professional cleanings are recommended at least 3 times a year to maintain the health of implants. The longevity of dental implants could be prolonged if patients follow these instructions.

What are the main benefits of implant dentistry?

Implant dentistry has many benefits. First of all, implant dentistry provides a valuable option for patients to replace their missing teeth. Implants can help replace a single tooth to a full set of teeth. In addition, implants allow for more flexible restorative treatment options. Implants can support single crowns, bridges, partial dentures and dentures. Implants can also help to increase retention on existing ill fitting partial dentures, full dentures and even support long span non-removable bridges. Some other benefits of dental implants are the ability to have one taste food better as well as chewing a wider variety of food efficiently for better nutrition and health. Last and not least, implants could last as long as natural teeth with good home care and punctual professional dental cleanings.