One of the most positive developments in dentistry during the last decade is the increase in the success and popularity of dental implants to replace missing teeth. In this article I intend to outline, in ordinary language, what dental implants are and what they are used for.
Dental implants are pure titanium cylinders that are surgically placed into the upper or lower jaw to replace natural tooth roots. The bone heals so closely around an implant that it is described as “integrated.” Once this occurs, the implant is very stable and a variety of different attachments can be connected to it.
The most common attachment is a single tooth. These are very successful and have become the standard of care to replace a missing tooth. If several teeth are missing, multiple implants can support bridges that are permanently attached. And in a situation where there are no natural teeth remaining, implants can provide greatly enhanced support and retention for a denture.
Following are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Aren’t implants very expensive?
The cost will vary depending on the situation, but it will be a significant investment. Remember that price is what you pay, and value is what you get. In most cases implants are the very best solution for missing teeth.
Will my dental insurance cover implants?
Not always, but it is becoming more common.
Do they ever fail?
Yes, but it is very rare and the risk can usually be determined prior to placement.
Who can place dental implants?
Any dentist can place implants. No special license is required, but this is a very technique sensitive procedure, so it is important to find a doctor with the training and experience to do it well. Often a surgeon will place the implant and work with a general dentist who restores the teeth.
If you or someone you know would like more information about dental implants, I would be pleased to provide a complimentary consultation to discover if this is the most appropriate treatment.
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Dental Insurance 201
In my last column I explained the difference between medical “insurance” and dental “benefits.” Understanding this is critical. The next step is to find out just exactly what benefits you have. It is important for you, the policy holder, to obtain this information from the insurance carrier or the human resources department at your work.
A dental office can give you estimates of your benefits based on general information they have about similar policies, but it is your responsibility to understand the specifics of your plan. Since you are the policy holder, it is also easier for you to get the details.
Here is the information you need to know before you visit a new dentist.
- Are my benefits the same regardless of which dentist I choose? If not, what is the difference?
- What is the annual maximum benefit for my plan?
- Is the annual benefit based on a calendar year or some other interval?
- What are my remaining annual benefits?
- Do I have a deductible amount? How much is it for me? For my family?
- Do I have a waiting period before my benefits begin?
- Do I have a limit on how many times per year I can get my teeth cleaned? How is this calculated?
- How do I find out what amount will be covered for specific procedures?
When you are equipped with this information prior to your dental visit, everything will go smoother and there will be less potential for misunderstanding. Remember that your plan is not designed to cover all of your costs. It is more like getting a discount. So the more you know about your plan, the more you will know about your actual discount.
For Your Dental Health,
Dr S
A dental office can give you estimates of your benefits based on general information they have about similar policies, but it is your responsibility to understand the specifics of your plan. Since you are the policy holder, it is also easier for you to get the details.
Here is the information you need to know before you visit a new dentist.
- Are my benefits the same regardless of which dentist I choose? If not, what is the difference?
- What is the annual maximum benefit for my plan?
- Is the annual benefit based on a calendar year or some other interval?
- What are my remaining annual benefits?
- Do I have a deductible amount? How much is it for me? For my family?
- Do I have a waiting period before my benefits begin?
- Do I have a limit on how many times per year I can get my teeth cleaned? How is this calculated?
- How do I find out what amount will be covered for specific procedures?
When you are equipped with this information prior to your dental visit, everything will go smoother and there will be less potential for misunderstanding. Remember that your plan is not designed to cover all of your costs. It is more like getting a discount. So the more you know about your plan, the more you will know about your actual discount.
For Your Dental Health,
Dr S
Monday, June 6, 2011
Dental Insurance 101
In my experience, the topic which causes the most misunderstanding in dentistry is dental insurance. My goal in this series of articles is to give you some basic information to help you understand this often confusing issue.
First of all the term “insurance” is really a misnomer in the context of dentistry. The word “insurance” literally means protection against future loss. This term is commonly used in medicine, as catastrophic loss can occur as a result of sickness or accident and the benefit limits are very high to cover this.
“Benefit” is a word which more accurately describes the allowance which is negotiated for an employee between his/her place of employment and a dental “insurance” company.
All dental “insurance” companies have a maximum annual benefit which rarely exceeds $1500 per calendar year. This amount is very close to the benefits of the 1960′s when dental “insurance” first began. In those days $1500 would cover the majority of treatment that anyone required in a year. If dental benefits were to have kept up with inflation and technology, as they have with medical insurance, they would amount to over $10,000 per year. This amount would be more than enough to cover the treatment most people would need in a year. However because the annual limit that most insurance companies provide has not increased, usually only preventive maintenance and small restorations are covered.
So while a dental benefit plan is nice, it should never be considered insurance against loss. The best way to reduce risk is the following:
- Let your dentist and hygienist know that you want a proactive plan to prevent dental decay and gum disease.
- Ask your dentist to make sure that all of the existing restorations in your mouth are of the highest quality.
More coming on this subject in Dental Insurance 102
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
First of all the term “insurance” is really a misnomer in the context of dentistry. The word “insurance” literally means protection against future loss. This term is commonly used in medicine, as catastrophic loss can occur as a result of sickness or accident and the benefit limits are very high to cover this.
“Benefit” is a word which more accurately describes the allowance which is negotiated for an employee between his/her place of employment and a dental “insurance” company.
All dental “insurance” companies have a maximum annual benefit which rarely exceeds $1500 per calendar year. This amount is very close to the benefits of the 1960′s when dental “insurance” first began. In those days $1500 would cover the majority of treatment that anyone required in a year. If dental benefits were to have kept up with inflation and technology, as they have with medical insurance, they would amount to over $10,000 per year. This amount would be more than enough to cover the treatment most people would need in a year. However because the annual limit that most insurance companies provide has not increased, usually only preventive maintenance and small restorations are covered.
So while a dental benefit plan is nice, it should never be considered insurance against loss. The best way to reduce risk is the following:
- Let your dentist and hygienist know that you want a proactive plan to prevent dental decay and gum disease.
- Ask your dentist to make sure that all of the existing restorations in your mouth are of the highest quality.
More coming on this subject in Dental Insurance 102
Yours for excellent dental health,
Dr S
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