I’ve lost my front teeth in a car accident. I’ve been told dental implants are what I’d want to get. Does insurance cover those? I can’t figure out my coverage.
Andrea
Dear Andrea,
Dental Implant Diagram
I’m sorry about your accident. Our teeth are an important part of our identity. It’s traumatic to lose any tooth, but especially to lose front teeth. You’ve heard correctly that dental implants are the best replacement option for your teeth. How much of the procedure insurance will cover varies from plan to plan.
Many insurance companies consider it a cosmetic procedure. However, there are some things which can help you get more coverage. The first is to have your dentist write the insurance company about why this is a necessary procedure for you.
Another thing which helps is getting pre-authorization. This way you know exactly how much you’ll be expected to pay up front and can make plans accordingly.
Dental Implants and Cosmetics
Because you’re talking about your front teeth, you want to make sure whoever does your implant crowns can create beautiful work. The first thing I’d do is look at their smile gallery to see if you like the results of their cosmetic work. If you do, you’re probably safe moving forward with that dentist as long as they have a good track record with dental implants.
The next thing to consider is the color of your teeth. If you’re happy with the whiteness, then no biggie. However, if you feel like you’d want to whiten them anytime in the next ten years or so, then you’ll want to get teeth whitening done before you have the implant crowns made.
Whatever color is used to create the crowns is permanent. Therefore, it’s best to have your teeth the color you’re pleased with when the crowns are made.
This blog is brought to you by Hoffman Estates Dentist Dr. William J. Becker.