Dentists generally encourage patients to replace missing teeth with dental implants in Utica, NY instead of bridges. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford this option. Most dental insurance plans do not cover the cost, although some pay for a percentage of the expense. The majority of dental insurance plans to pay for bridges.
Advantages of Implants
Dentists are frustrated about this because implants have distinct advantages. Their presence in the jawbone stimulates new bone cell growth during chewing, thus preventing deterioration of the bone as older cells are used up. They are also more convenient for patients since implants can be cleaned like normal teeth. Implants generally last longer than bridges, too.
Automotive Insurance
In certain instances, other kinds of insurance may pay for dental implants in Utica, NY, although this is uncommon. For example, a person who had some teeth knocked out in a car accident may include a demand for implants in the settlement negotiation. Some automotive insurers will comply because the person’s health and appearance should be returned to as normal a condition as possible. Because dental implants function as teeth roots, they are more similar to a normal tooth than a bridge is.
Health Insurance
In unusual cases, health insurance may pay for dental implants if problems with the natural teeth are connected to a medical issue. For instance, a patient with severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) may have experienced serious enamel erosion from the chronic backwash of stomach acid up the throat and into the mouth. Some of these patients suffer from nausea and vomiting occurring at least monthly. The surgeon who corrects the problem may be able to have the extraction and implant surgeries included as part of the overall health insurance billing.
Saving Up
One possibility would be to choose bridges for teeth replacement at a clinic such as Reaves Dental Practice PLLC, then make a plan to fund dental implants in the future. Those devices can be placed by the same clinic. A bridge normally lasts at least five years and may last several years longer, so there is time to save money and shop for other dental insurance if possible.
