Thursday, December 24, 2009

TRICARE Dental Offers Options to Repair Tooth Loss

December 24, 2009: Tooth loss can be a difficult and sometimes embarrassing condition. Quality of life, confidence or daily functioning can be affected by the loss of permanent teeth. TRICARE wants beneficiaries to know that conventional crown and bridge treatment and dentures aren’t the only options to address tooth loss. Dental implants are an option for medically qualified candidates. A thorough dental evaluation is required to determine whether a patient is a good candidate for dental implants. Good candidates for a dental implant are non-smokers with healthy gums and adequate bone remaining in the area where the implant will be placed.

A dental implant is a replacement for the root portion of a natural tooth and is surgically placed in the upper or lower jaw, below the gum line. After a healing period, the implant supports a crown or bridge, or secures a denture firmly in place.

Beneficiaries considering dental implants should speak with their dentist about the total cost of the procedure to determine their out-of-pocket expenses. On average, dental implants cost approximately $1,500 to $3,500 per tooth replacement. Beneficiaries should plan ahead to properly budget their annual dental benefit.

To learn more about TRICARE’s dental benefits visit http://www.tricare.mil/dental.

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