--- title: What to Know about Dental Implants description: Having missing teeth can make anyone self-conscious when talking or smiling, but thankfully, dental implants can help restore confidence. What is a Dental image: https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_280868133-1.jpeg --- Already have an Account? LOGIN X ### Select Line of Coverage: Vision Dental ### Select One: Member Administrator Provider Lab SIGN IN ![](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_280868133-1.jpeg) Having missing teeth can make anyone self-conscious when talking or smiling, but thankfully, dental implants can help restore confidence. **What is a Dental Implant?** A [dental implant](http://www.knowyourteeth.com/infobites/abc/article/?abc=W&iid=307&aid=1257&_ga=2.236420296.855649496.1496172874-1173287849.1495636942) is an artificial tooth root that is surgically placed into the jaw to hold a replacement tooth or bridge. Implants look and feel like natural teeth. There are many [advantages](http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/implants/article/what-you-need-to-know-about-a-dental-implant-procedure-0215) of implants, such as: - **Stability** Implants don’t slip or shift; they provide the same stability as natural teeth. So, no need to be worried when chewing or speaking. - **Minimal Maintenance** Implants don’t require special care in regards to cleaning. Simply maintain your regular oral hygiene routine! - **Self-Supported** Because implants have their own (artificial) root, they do not rely on neighboring teeth for support. This eliminates the loss of natural tooth structure. **Important Things to Keep in Mind** - Not everyone is a candidate for dental implants. It’s important to discuss the best course of treatment with your dentist or oral surgeon. - If you are eligible to receive a dental implant, be mindful that it requires more than just one office visit. Once the root is implanted, there will be a [waiting period](http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/implants/article/what-are-dental-implants) before the new tooth is placed. - Though they don’t require special care, dental implants do need to be properly cared for, just like natural teeth. If you receive a dental implant, be sure to do the following: - Maintain a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating a balanced diet, eliminating bad habits (i.e., smoking), and of course, practicing good oral hygiene. - Avoid eating hard foods. Once again, just like natural teeth, hard foods such as ice, candy or pretzels, can be tough on your implant. Avoid hard foods so you can make your implant last a lifetime. - Listen to your dentist. Be sure to follow care instructions provided by your dentist. This includes scheduling those follow-up visits to make sure the implant is in good shape! ![TruAssure](https://static.hsstatic.net/BlogImporterAssetsUI/ex/missing-image.png)VBA dental plans are administered and underwritten by TruAssure and are offered in association with the DenteMax Plus dental network arrangement, which includes participating dentists from the United Concordia, DenteMax and Connection dental networks in all states but North Carolina, where the DenteMax Plus network arrangement includes DenteMax and Connection dental networks. ## Related Articles [![](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_523974306-1.jpeg) ](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/understanding-dental-insurance) [Tips and Tricks](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/tips-and-tricks) [Dental](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/dental) ### [Understanding Dental Insurance](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/understanding-dental-insurance) **What is Dental Insurance?** Dental insurance covers a portion of the cost of dental care. As with any insurance policy, there is a monthly premium, or fee, that is paid... [Matthew Cuomo](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/author/matthew-cuomo) [Read More](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/understanding-dental-insurance) [![](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/dental_anxiety-1.jpg) ](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/how-to-cope-with-dental-anxiety) [Tips and Tricks](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/tips-and-tricks) [Dental](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/tag/dental) ### [How to Cope with Dental Anxiety](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/how-to-cope-with-dental-anxiety) Regular dental exams and cleanings are crucial for maintaining a healthy smile. Sadly, a trip to the dentist is a genuine phobia for some. In fact, 9 to 15 percent of... [Matthew Cuomo](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/author/matthew-cuomo) [Read More](https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/how-to-cope-with-dental-anxiety) #### Stay in Touch Sign up to receive the latest news and information from VBA. ![VBA Plans of America logo](https://www.vbaplans.com/assets/images/VBA-Logo.png) Vision Benefits of America 400 Lydia Street, Suite 300 Carnegie, PA 15106 [1-800-432-4966](tel:8004324966) ##### [VISION](https://www.vbaplans.com/vision) ##### [DENTAL](https://www.vbaplans.com/dental) ##### [COMPANY](https://www.vbaplans.com/about-us) ##### FOLLOW © 2021 VBA ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Jennifer Stech", "url" : "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/author/jennifer-stech" }, "dateModified" : "2023-12-08T18:29:49.614Z", "datePublished" : "2017-06-16T04:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "What to Know about Dental Implants", "image" : [ "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/adobestock_280868133-1.jpeg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/test-the-minds-eye-mkii/blog/post/what-to-know-about-dental-implants", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blod-dev.vbaplans.com/hubfs/VBA_RGB-1.png" }, "name" : "Vision Benefits of America" } } ```