I have several missing teeth and a dental bridge on some other teeth. All of these are on my upper arch. I’d really like to remove the upper teeth and get dental implant overdentures. The problem is I don’t have a lot of money. I have tried to use a denture plate, but it made me gag. Is there any way that medical insurance will cover my dental implants? It feels like a medical issue to me.
Kenneth
Dear Kenneth,
Implant Retained Dentures
I am glad you wrote. You are not alone in having a problem with dentures, including the denture plate. Most people do not like the feel of anything on their upper palette. This is even harder for those with a strong gag reflex.
Most people feel that because there is a medical aspect involved, such as your ability to eat, that medical insurance should pitch in. Unfortunately, anything that is handled dentally will not be covered by medical insurance. If you have dental insurance, it will help. It doesn’t cover the procedure completely, but you will get some discount. Just be certain that you don’t compromise your care. You need a dentist with post doctoral training in dental implants.
Ideally, you’ll also want the dentist to be qualified to do the surgery as well. That will prevent any problems with miscommunication between the dentist and the oral surgeon. However, if you must go to an oral surgeon, make certain that you visit the dentist first and that it is the dentist who plans the placement of the implants and not the surgeon. This is essential.
If implant overdentures are impossible for you, even with dental insurance, then there may be a way to help you with the denture plate. There is a new procedure developed by a dentist in Great Britain, where you can trim the plate to about the vibration line. That has helped quite a few people who have a gag reflex and find the plate difficult.
This blog is brought to you by Libertyville Dentist Dr. David Potts.