Can Dental Implants Be Medically Necessary?

Dental implants provide a long-lasting and effective way for Washington patients with missing teeth to restore their smile. They are different from dentures as they are secured directly into your jawbone, so they look, function, and feel like natural teeth. At Premier Periodontics, our periodontal specialists evaluate your oral health to determine if you’re a good candidate for this procedure. During your consultation, we can also explain the difference between traditional dental implants and All-on-4® implants. We have locations throughout Washington, including Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, and Redmond.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are a tooth replacement option for those with loose or missing teeth. These implants are artificial tooth root replacements. At Premier Periodontics, we surgically insert these posts into your jawbone. Osseointegration, a healing process where the bone fuses with the implant, must occur before the implant process is completed. This usually takes from two to six months. After we determine it has healed properly, a custom crown is placed atop the implant.

When are dental implants needed?

When someone experiences the loss of a permanent tooth, a dental implant can be a great choice. At Premier Periodontics, we are committed to treating and saving natural teeth when we can. However, sometimes, tooth extraction or tooth loss is unavoidable. When this happens, we will discuss treatment options.

Some common causes of tooth loss in Bellevue, WA include:

Infection
Injury
Periodontal disease
Tooth decay
Trauma

While some teeth can be saved, there are times when getting dental implants is medically necessary.

Who is a candidate for dental implants?

To be a candidate for dental implants, you must have:

Missing or loose teeth
A strong enough jawbone to withstand the healing process
Good overall health
No existing oral health problems

During a consultation, our periodontal specialists can determine whether or not dental implants will improve your oral health.

Are dental implants medically necessary?

When you need to preserve a diseased tooth with proper oral hygiene, and it hasn’t helped, dental implants can be considered medically necessary. There are a few reconstructive dental services that we can bill to your insurance that will be covered, such as extraction or orthodontic services for fractured teeth. However, there are times where dental implant surgery may be considered cosmetic and, therefore, not covered. Our team can work with you and your insurance, so you know your estimated costs for services rendered before you commit to any procedure.

Benefits of All-on-4 Dental Implants

At Premier Periodontics, we can explain the many benefits of All-on-4 dental implants, including:

Rapid results: You will quickly see an improvement in your smile.
Improve your smile: The All-on-4 process helps you preserve your jawbone, which can lead to less sagging in the face, which can be caused by missing teeth.
No special diet: Unlike dentures, dental implants do not require a special diet.
Long-term smile: Dental implants cannot be removed, so your new teeth can last a lifetime.
Improved oral health: The All-on-4 dental implants create a healthier mouth by reducing your chance of developing tooth decay or gum disease.

Learn more about how dental implants can be medically necessary

At Premier Periodontics, our periodontal team can offer you helpful information on the differences between dental implants and All-on-4 dental implants after a thorough dental exam at one of our locations. When you have tooth loss, dental implants can help improve your oral health and increase your self-confidence. To learn more about if you’re a candidate for dental implants, contact one of our locations in Bellevue, Everett, Kirkland, Mercer Island, Olympia, or Redmond, WA.