If you have a gap from a congenitally missing tooth, or have lost one due to trauma or extraction, you may be considering a dental implant. This method of tooth replacement has been in use in this country since the early 1980s. It is gaining popularity because the implant restoration looks natural, feels normal in the mouth, and functions like a real tooth – plus, it can last a lifetime with good care. Many patients are concerned, though, about how dental insurance will respond to a tooth implant procedure. Social Circle dentist, Dr. Don D. Jones, shares these important points.

If you have a gap from a congenitally missing tooth, or have lost one due to trauma or extraction, you may be considering a dental implant. This method of tooth replacement has been in use in this country since the early 1980s. It is gaining popularity because the implant restoration looks natural, feels normal in the mouth, and functions like a real tooth – plus, it can last a lifetime with good care. Many patients are concerned, though, about how dental insurance will respond to a tooth implant procedure. Social Circle dentist, Dr. Don D. Jones, shares these important points.

​The insurance landscape is changing
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Every insurance plan is different, and coverages and conditions can change at any time, with appropriate notice to participants. However, at this time, dental insurance plans generally apply the following logic to dental implants. First, because other options for tooth replacement are available, getting a dental implant is considered “elective.” Second, elective procedures are not covered if a less costly alternative is available. So, dental insurance typically pays a limited amount – roughly the “usual and customary fee” for a partial denture or bridge – toward the cost of a dental implant. There may also be some coverage for diagnostic tests and tooth extraction, and medical insurance could cover bone grafts if necessary. As dental implants become more common, some premium insurance plans are covering the cost of the procedure.

If you participate in an FSA (flexible spending account), where you set aside pre-tax dollars for medical expenses, you are in luck. Because a dental implant is not considered purely cosmetic in nature, the procedure is an eligible expense (the oral surgery, placement of the post, and the crown restoration).

​Not your only option
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It is important to know that a dental implant is not your only choice to restore your smile and oral function. Dr. Jones will be happy to talk with you about the possibility of a dental bridge or a partial denture. Regardless of insurance status, these alternatives make sense for many patients.

​There are many causes of stains on teeth. Over time, foods and beverages such as berries, sauces, coffee, and tea can stain the teeth. Smoking can not only wreak havoc on the body but can also leave yellow or brown looking teeth. These are just a couple of reasons patients in Monroe, Loganville, Covington, and the surrounding areas visit Social Circle Dental to give their smiles an aesthetic boost. They can find safe and gentle teeth whitening treatment with Dr. Jones.