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You’ve been getting sick and tired of not being able to chew crunchy foods like you used to because of your missing teeth. You started researching ways to replace them and discovered dental implants. Although they seem like the most beneficial solution, they also tend to cost more than conventional bridges or dentures. Are they worth the cost? Will your dental insurance to cover dental implants in South Austin? Continue reading to find out.

ARE DENTAL IMPLANTS COVERED BY INSURANCE?

Dental insurance providers often cover different kinds of services to different degrees. Generally, they cover the full cost of preventive care, a portion of the cost of restorative treatments, and none of the cost of cosmetic work.

Also, they typically only cover the least expensive option when it comes to solving a certain dental problem. In terms of replacing lost teeth, bridges and dentures cost less than dental implants, so they’re more likely to be covered. Furthermore, some insurance companies consider implants to be a purely cosmetic treatment, despite the numerous health benefits they offer.

WHY DENTAL IMPLANTS ARE WORTH THE INVESTMENT

Compared to alternative treatments, dental implants provide many, many advantages, including:

• Being sturdy enough to not slip around when you’re eating or speaking
• Letting you chew practically any food, no matter how tough or crunchy
• Stimulating your jawbone to keep you looking young
• Being able to easily last for 30 years or even longer
• Requiring only basic maintenance, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups
• Looking and feeling just like the teeth you were born with

In the long term, dental implants are perhaps the best investment you could make when it comes to your smile and oral health.

HOW YOU CAN PAY FOR DENTAL IMPLANTS

If your insurance won’t cover the cost of dental implants, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have to settle for a less beneficial option. Dentists understand that sometimes, paying for the care your smile needs can be difficult. For this reason, many of them partner with a third-party financing company like CareCredit. You can take a low-interest loan to fund your new teeth and pay it back in manageable monthly chunks.

Even if your insurance won’t pay for the implants themselves, they’ll usually help with the cost of other parts of the treatment, such as your consultation or preparatory work. The only way to know for sure how much your new smile will cost is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. Their team will gladly help you figure out how to rebuild your smile without breaking the bank!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jack Fan is a dentist in South Austin who earned his dental doctorate from the New York University College of Dentistry. His practice, The Dental Centre, is in-network with most PPO plans. They can also help you apply for a loan through CareCredit. To learn more about how Dr. Fan can help you pay for dental implants, visit his website or call (512) 361-4288.