Clove Dental Blog

Are Dental Implants Right for You? A Complete Guide from Clove Dental

Written by Clove Dental Team | Aug 5, 2025 2:20:49 PM

Are you embarrassed to smile because of missing teeth? If so, you’re not alone. So many people in and around Encino move through life with the kind of confidence that you have due to missing teeth. Thankfully, dental implants have become an incredible solution to replace your missing teeth. But before moving forward, it’s important to know whether you’re a good candidate and how insurance might help with some parts of the treatment. 

Let’s dive in and learn about various options that you can opt for for dental implants in Encino.

What Are Dental Implants?

Implants are screws made of titanium that are surgically positioned in your jawbone, acting as a foundation for subsequent teeth that fit over them. No other tooth replacement option will offer you the same benefit as something as close to an actual tooth as dental implants. They don’t just bring back your smile; they help keep your jawbone healthy and your other teeth problem-free.

They are an investment in your long-term oral health, and during your consultation, we’ll also review your insurance benefits so you know what costs to expect before starting.

The Significance of a Professional Consultation

Dental implants might be great for some, but you should always consult with a professional to find out if it’s a good match before you make any decisions. At Clove Dental in Encino, our philosophy is that we offer in-depth evaluations to make certain your care is the very best that it can be, matched to your unique needs.
 
This consultation also includes an insurance review; we’ll check if any part of your procedure, like extractions or bone grafting, could qualify for coverage. Our knowledgeable dentists are committed to treating each patient as family, providing solutions that best match your lifestyle and dental needs.

Criteria That Make You a Suitable Candidate for Dental Implants

1. Oral Health Status

The health of your mouth will contribute to the success of implants. If you suffer from gum disease, cavities, or other dental problems, address these before exploring implants. At Clove Dental, our team of providers offers services such as periodontal disease treatment and teeth cleaning to make sure your mouth is healthy before treatment is received. Some of these treatments may even be partially covered by insurance, which we’ll verify for you upfront.

2. Bone Density and Structure

The density and complexity of your jawbone are other important considerations. The placement of the titanium post is only possible when there is a certain amount of bone available. If your jawbone is too thin or soft, we may recommend bone grafting to strengthen the site before implant placement. We have advanced 3D imaging technology at Clove Dental, which is used for a detailed review of your jawbone and to plan accordingly.

3. Age Considerations

There is no exact age restriction for dental implants, but the jawbone must have grown. Most of the time, adults who are at least 18 years of age are good candidates. However, with careful planning and follow-up, even younger children may succeed in functioning with implants.

4. Lifestyle Factors

Some lifestyle factors could affect an individual's suitability for dental implants. For example, smokers may have an increased risk of developing complications because smoking can impair healing. If you smoke, we can share information with you on how to quit and increase your odds of implant treatment success.

5. Medical Conditions

Some diseases, such as diabetes and autoimmune diseases, can affect how well wounds heal. Your past medical history is an important issue to review with us to determine how that would affect your suitability for dental implants.

Advantages of Dental Implants

If you are a good candidate for dental implants in Encino, you can look forward to several advantages:

  • Natural Look: The dental implants will appear and feel just like your real teeth, so you can smile and act natural once again.
  • Enhanced Function: Eat and speak more easily without pain from ill-fitting dentures.
  • Dental Implants Age: If they are looked after correctly, they can last for a lifetime, thereby making them a great value for money in the long run.
  • Preserving Bone: Implants help the jawbone stay active, preventing it from wasting away, thus preserving the contours of the face.

What About Cost and Insurance for Dental Implants?

One of the biggest questions we hear at Clove Dental is, “Will my insurance cover dental implants?” Here’s the truth: most dental insurance plans, including Delta Dental, MetLife, Aetna, and Cigna, consider implants elective and rarely cover the full procedure.

But here’s what makes us different:

  • Insurance Review: We’ll check your policy and confirm if there’s any partial coverage, especially when implants are medically necessary.
  • Transparent Pricing: You’ll always know your cost upfront, no surprises later.
  • Flexible Payment Plans: We offer monthly financing options to make implants affordable without sacrificing quality.
  • Special Offers: Our Encino office runs seasonal promotions, so ask us about current savings!
Your smile is priceless, but the cost shouldn’t stop you from getting it back. Book a consultation today, and we’ll walk you through every detail, coverage, costs, and payment option so you can move forward with confidence.

The Clove Dental Difference

At Clove Dental, we know that every person’s adventure to the perfect smile is different. Whether you're visiting us from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, or Sherman Oaks, our commitment remains the same: exceptional service and care tailored to your needs. Not only that, we have convenient payment plans that allow everyone to afford dental implants.

Our compassionate staff supports you throughout every step of the procedure. We like to be transparent and make sure that you have a clear idea of what to expect along your journey to implants. Plus, with free parking available at all locations, your visit is convenient from start to finish.

What to Expect When You Visit Our Practice for a Consultation

When you come to see us to talk about how dental implants can fix your teeth, here is what you can expect:

  • Extensive Testing: We would perform a full-mouth examination, which includes your jawbone and all of your dental health.
  • Personalized Treatment Plan: A tailored treatment plan outlining the process to get the smile you want.
  • Discuss Options: We’ll show you the types of implants, and you can pick the best one for you.
  • Financial Counsel: Your financial dilemmas will be addressed, including insurance and payment options, so you can proceed with ease.

Taking the Next Step

You’ve been thinking about dental implants in Encino, and we’re here with you from start to finish. Our team at Clove Dental is dedicated to building beautiful and healthy smiles, offering comprehensive and eco-friendly dentistry with a personalized touch.

Do not allow missing teeth to hold you back any longer. Contact us to book an appointment and find out whether dental fillings are suitable for you! We can’t wait to add you to our little family of satisfied patients and do our part to help make your dream smile a reality!