The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines a dental implant as a procedure that aligns the jawbone with the mouth. The implant intends to replace a failed or damaged tooth with metal roots to fit an artificial root that aligns with the jaw to function like a natural tooth. According to the Mayo Clinic, a dental implant is a lengthy procedure as it requires healing, which may take months. 

The artificial root is placed surgically on the missing tooth through dental implants in the jawbone. The artificial root consists of titanium that helps fix new teeth in the jawbone. Titanium is used in the implant as it fuses with the jawbone without making noise or causing any damage to the jawbone. Another reason for using titanium in a dental implant is that titanium doesn’t decay like natural teeth. It is a replacement for bridgework or dentures as it damages the jawbone. 

Who Needs Dental Implants?

Generally, a dental implant depends on the condition of the jawbone or the type of dental implant. However, doctors recommend a dental implant if you:

  • Have health issues that might affect the healing of your jawbone
  • Aren’t comfortable wearing dentures
  • Have a jawbone that is fully growth
  • Don’t smoke or consume tobacco
  • Have a jawbone that can secure a dental implant
  • If you have vital oral tissues
  • Have the patience to commit to the lengthy process

Risks of Dental Implant

Like any other surgery, dental surgery possesses few risks that might occur in a few cases, but the treatment is painless and minor. The most common risks of a dental implant include infection to the dental implant; nerve damage to the implant’s surroundings that cause irritation or pain; numbness to the gums, tissues, or jawbones and; sinus problems if the implant is in the sinus cavities in the upper jaw. Furthermore, a dental implant can sometimes damage surrounding teeth, tissues, or blood vessels. 

What Do You Require for a Dental Implant?

A dental implant is a long process that is time-consuming and requires patience. It consists of more than one surgical procedure that needs a complete evaluation to prepare a dental implant. The evaluation includes:

  • An Inclusive dental exam through dental X-rays and 3D models of your teeth and jawbone.
  • Assessment of medical history, such as any previous medical conditions, including any medicine or supplements prescribed. Patience with some significant medical conditions is prescribed with medications to prevent infections. 
  • The doctors make treatment plans for the dental implant according to the patient’s condition.  
  • The options of anesthesia to control pain depending on the patience’s medical history and condition. The types of anesthesia include local or general anesthesia or sedation. Or general anesthesia. 

Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants?

Part A and B of the Medicare insurance don’t cover any dental implant, nor it includes any regular dental treatment. However, the Medicare advantage plan covers routine dental services. The private health insurance company (Medicare-approved) offers a Medicare Advantage plan, which is included in Part C of the Medicare insurance and is an alternative to acquiring original Medicare insurance. Moreover, Medicare Advantage plans need to offer exact coverage of insurance as Part A and B of Medicare insurance. If a person has a Medicare Advantage plan, Part A of Medicare insurance will cover the hospital expenditures. 

All in all, if you are looking for dental implant coverage through Medicare Advantage plans, one must know about all the details and procedures related to the dental treatments. Also, Be mindful that one has to pay for the Part B premium every month and any other premium included in the Medicare Advantage plan. 

A private insurance company also offers dental insurance other than Medicare insurance. Few insurance plans cover a specific percentage of dental implant expenses. 

Reach out Today at NewMedicare.