Dental Implants in Simi Valley: What You Need to Know

Not only is a lost tooth unsightly, it can also impact the way you eat and speak, and even how you smile and take pictures for social media. I see patients all the time, right here in Simi Valley, that wait years to address a missing tooth because they think dental implants in simi valley are expensive or complicated, but the truth is, they've made a lot of advancements in the field that most people don't even realize. We're going to talk today about everything to know about dental implants, insurance, and how to get this process started

Why Dental Implants in Simi Valley Should Be Considered

Dental implants are literally the closest thing to a natural tooth; unlike bridges or partials, implant's fuse directly to your jawbone which means no sliding around when you're talking or eating that I hear patients complain about all the time. Also, unlike other options, implants help stimulate and prevent absorption of the jawbone which is actually something a lot of people don't know. Simi Valley is full of active individuals who enjoy the outdoors, the last thing they want is a dental appliance that limits the types of food they can eat or hold their tongue when they laugh, an implant can give you back the freedom to eat whatever you want, whenever you want, without a second thought.

The Process Is More Straight Forward Than You Think

I know people get nervous when they hear the word surgery but it's important to remember that the implant process is broken up into smaller, more digestible parts. First you'll need to schedule an initial consultation to get xrays and determine if there's enough bone density in the jaw, if not, patients will need to consider bone grafting to build up the bone tissue in the affected area. Secondly, the titanium post will be implanted into the jaw and patients will have to allow some time for the osseointegration process to complete. Finally, an abutment will get placed on top of the post followed by a crown made to match the color and shape of the surrounding teeth. While it's not an immediate process, it's absolutely worth waiting for.

Dentist Insurance Plans in Simi Valley Are Complicated

As I touched on earlier, many people don't go through with the implant process because they think it's too expensive, and in some cases it can be. The truth is, most dentist insurance plans consider implants a major procedure which usually means they cover around 50% of the total cost, some plans will cover just the prosthetic portion but not the actual implant procedure. Either way, it's important to know what your plan covers in-full and what it doesn't, and the best way to do that is contact your provider directly and ask.

What to Ask Your Insurance Provider

When calling to ask your provider about dental implants, make sure to ask not only if they are covered but what the annual maximum is, what the waiting period is before coverage begins, and if pre-authorization is required. Annual maximums are crucial, especially when it comes to dental insurance because many plans in Simi Valley have much lower maximums for dental services than for other medical services. This information will help you determine if going forward with implants is actually financially feasible for you. Pre-authorization requirements are also very important to note, many plans will require you to have been with the insurance company for at least 12 months before any major procedures can begin. It may seem like a lot to remember, but this information is going to be invaluable to you down the road.

Financing Options Are Available If Implants Aren't Fully Covered

If your insurance doesn't cover the total cost of your implants many offices, including mine, have financing options to help you pay for the difference. CareCredit is probably the most popular third-party financing company, there are many others that do the exact same thing. Some offices even offer in-house payment plans to avoid taking out a loan if that's not something you're comfortable with. There are options, and it's important to know that implants shouldn't be avoided simply because of the cost.

Choosing the Right Provider Can Make All the Difference

There are a lot of different dentists out there offering the same procedure but the way they go about it can be very different. It's important to ask your provider about the technology they use, how many implants they've done in the past, how they will go about explaining the process to you, and what their success rate is. A good provider will be open to answering all of your questions, if they come off as frustrated with you asking them, you might want to shop around and find someone who makes you feel comfortable with them being a part of your care.

Life With Implants Can Be Great

After healing and the crown is placed, patients can go back to enjoying their everyday lives without having to worry about dental insurance plans in simi valley appliance slipping out of place or falling out. Unlike dentures, implants don't need any special aftercare other than brushing and flossing them just like you would your natural teeth. Implants are definitely an investment but for many patients they last a lifetime, especially when proper aftercare is taken into consideration. Many patients I speak with will tell me how much they love their new implants and how it's given them something to smile about again because they felt self-conscious about their smile prior, it's one thing to improve the function of your mouth, but it's an entirely different thing to change someone's entire outlook on life.

To Recap

I hope that we've cleared up some of the information that you might've heard about the implant process. While it's definitely a lot to consider, understanding what dental implants in Simi Valley actually are and what your insurance entails is a great first step to determining if they're right for you. I also encourage you not to wait years to address a missing tooth as many patients do, the sooner is always best to prevent further issues. If you have any questions about dental implants, insurance coverage or anything else, Alamo Family Dentistry is always here to help.

FAQs

Are Dental Implants Painful?

Most patients report feeling only minor discomfort, if any at all, throughout the entire process.

Does Insurance Ever Cover the Total Cost of Dental Implants?

Some plans will cover implants in full, but it's definitely rare. Most plans will cover the prosthetic portion but not the actual implant procedure.

How Long Do Dental Implants Typically Last?

With proper care and maintenance, implants have been known to last 20+ years, even up to a lifetime.

What If I Don't Have Enough Bone for an Implant?

If the patient doesn't have sufficient bone density, they will have to go through a bone grafting procedure first.

Can I Get Financing to Help Pay for My Dental Implant?

Yes, most providers have in-house financing or can send you to a third-party company like CareCredit to apply for a loan.