Does Medicare Cover Implants?

Dental implants are the gold standard for tooth replacement, functioning as artificial tooth roots surgically placed into the jawbone. They provide a permanent, stable foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth that match your natural teeth.

**1. Initial Consultation & Planning**: Comprehensive exam including X-rays and 3D CBCT scans to assess bone density. Your dentist reviews medical history to ensure candidacy. **2. Preparatory Procedures (Optional)**: If bone density is insufficient, a bone graft or sinus lift may be required. Damaged teeth are extracted if necessary. **3. Implant Placement Surgery**: Outpatient surgery under local anesthesia. The dentist makes an incision in the gum, drills a pilot hole in the bone, and screws in the titanium post. **4. Osseointegration (Healing)**: A critical 3-6 month period where the jawbone fuses with the implant surface. This provides the structural stability needed for the tooth. **5. Abutment Placement**: Once healed, a small connector post (abutment) is attached to the implant to hold the new tooth. **6. Final Crown Placement**: Impressions are taken to fabricate a custom crown. The final tooth is cemented or screwed onto the abutment, completing the restoration.

- **24 hours**: Minor bleeding, swelling, and numbness. Manage with ice packs and soft foods. - **3 days**: Swelling peaks and begins to subside. Resume light activities. - **1 week**: Sutures may be removed. Most pain and swelling should be gone. Return to normal diet (avoiding hard crunch). - **3 6 months**: Bone healing (no sensation). Full dietary freedom once crown is placed.

**Pros:** Lasts a lifetime, Prevents bone loss, Functions like real teeth, No decay risk. **Cons:** High initial cost, Long treatment time (months), Surgical risks (rare infection), Requires sufficient bone.