Food can cause a substantial amount of damage to teeth throughout the years, especially when someone has poor brushing habits. As bacteria causes acid to build up on the enamel of teeth, it leads to problems developing such as cavities and nerve exposure. In the worst case of dental neglect, teeth can decay away to the extent of all or most of the enamel decaying away, rather than a simple cavity developing. For example, when molars are not taken care of and rot away, it can be difficult for someone to chew food. If you are dealing with a substantial amount of enamel loss from neglecting your teeth, you should consider getting dental implants to replace the ones that have decayed away.

What are Dental Implants?

Dental implants are basically replacements for tooth roots, and they also allow the attachment of artificial teeth. Basically, an implant is a titanium post that can be placed in the jawbone in the area of your mouth that is missing a tooth. An implant is designed to become a permanent part of your mouth, just like a natural tooth root. For example, after an implant has been put into place, a dentist will wait up to several months before moving forward with the rest of the procedure. An implant must be given enough time to bond with your jawbones.

Can Anyone Get Dental Implants?

Not everyone will be the perfect candidate for dental implants, which is why you must get your mouth examined by a dentist. For instance, if your jawbones are not strong enough to support a dental implant, a doctor might recommend replacing your teeth using a different technique. You might also not be a good candidate for dental implants if you are suffering from gum disease. However, gum disease can usually be treated by taking antibiotics, and then you can proceed with the dental implant procedure. A dentist will also discuss other health conditions that might not make you a good candidate for dental implants.

Are Dental Implants Covered by Insurance?

Although it isn't common for dental implants to be covered by insurance, it is possible. For instance, depending on who your insurance provider is, you might be covered under certain circumstances. If you are simply getting implants because you want them for cosmetic reasons, the implants might not be covered by your insurance provider. You can speak to a dentist about possibly making payments on the dental implants if the clinic offers financing.