Adult tooth loss can be a big problem. Whether caused by an immediate injury or caused by age and dental decay over time, not only can there be cosmetic issues with a lost adult tooth, but there are often health-related concerns as well. That is why there are a few different solutions. For a single tooth, the most common solutions are a dental bridge or a dental implants. For a larger group of teeth All-On-4 dental implants and removable dentures are often considered. There are pros and cons to each restorative solution. In this article we want to discuss how these solutions work, their differences, insurance coverage, repairs, and making decisions for replacing all of your teeth. If you live in Southern Maine and need to schedule a restorative dental appointment, please contact our team!
Should I Get A Dental Implant or Dental Bridge
Many people choose dental implants because they last longer, mimic the way your teeth naturally work, and provide less risk to the surrounding teeth. By contrast, other people get bridges because while they might last less time, they are are often less expensive upfront. Dental implants are often seen as an investment which is why many dentists will make recommendations based on your overall dental health and age. As we age, it is common for more and more adult teeth to fallout, so it might make more sense to get a bridge for a period of time before considering options to replace the rest of your teeth. One thing to consider is that because bridges are attached to existing teeth, the existing teeth are at a higher risk of damage.
Does Insurance Cover Both Dental Implants & Bridges?
One of the most common questions when looking for ways to replace an adult tooth is what will my insurance cover. First and foremost, every insurance plan is different so it is important to look at your own details as well as getting an estimate from your dentist. Oftentimes restorative dental services are covered either fully or partially, but different procedures receive different coverage. In some cases, insurance will cover bridges but not implants as implants solve the same issue but are more expensive. In other cases, you might have more coverage proportionally for one or the other. If your insurance doesn’t cover implants, but you still think implants are the right choice, you should talk to your dentist about payment plans and financing options.
Do All Dentists Provide Dental Implants & Bridges?
No. Dental implants are a surgical procedure, and many dental offices do not provide surgical procedures. However, those dentists might be able to refer you to a partnered practice that does in the area. Similar to wisdom tooth removal when you are a teenager it is common for some dental facilities that handle regular cleanings to not provide orthodontic, restorative, or cosmetic services, but have referrals in place. This also means that if you need an implant or bridge fixed/repaired you will have to find a dentist in your area that can help.
What Are All-on-4 Dental Implants?
All-On-4 Dental implants are a strong solution for tooth loss at later ages in life. When we start shedding all of our adult teeth one of the common solutions is removable dentures. However, some patients go with All-On-4 dental implants instead. These implants work by replacing a full row of teeth with only four implant posts. Unlike a removable set of dentures, these false teeth are permanently in your mouth.
Tooth Replacement In Lisbon Maine
If you live in the Lisbon Maine area and are interested in learning more about tooth replacement services or want to know more about how we can help with implants or bridges, please contact us to make an appointment.