At KoKo Dental Care, we understand the importance of a healthy, confident smile at every stage of life. For seniors considering dental implants, navigating insurance options can be overwhelming. Fortunately, DentaQuest, Senior Whole Health and Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options offer coverage options that make implants more affordable. In this post, we’ll explore how our patient-centered dental implant process works and what financial options are available to seniors.

The Dental Implant Process at KoKo Dental Care

Dental implants provide a permanent, natural-looking solution for missing teeth, improving both function and aesthetics. Here’s what you can expect when undergoing treatment at our office:

1. Initial Consultation & Treatment Planning

• A comprehensive exam with digital X-rays and CBCT scans (if needed) to assess bone structure.
• A discussion of your goals, medical history and treatment options with Dr. Kotchinian.
• If needed, recommendations for bone grafting or tooth extractions before implant placement.

Most insurance plans cover this initial visit; however, we offer affordable promotional pricing and financing options—including the KoKo Dental Care Program—for patients without coverage.

2. Implant Placement Surgery

• Performed under local anesthesia, with sedation options available for added comfort.
• A small titanium implant post is placed into the jawbone to act as an artificial tooth root.
• The area is sutured, and healing begins.

3. Healing & Osseointegration (3–6 months)

• The implant gradually integrates with the jawbone in a process called osseointegration, ensuring a strong foundation.
• Temporary solutions may be provided for appearance and function during healing.

4. Abutment Placement

• After healing, a small abutment is attached to the implant to support the final restoration.
• The gums heal around the abutment over about two weeks.

5. Final Restoration: Crown, Bridge or Denture

• Impressions are taken to create a custom crown, bridge or denture that blends with your natural teeth.
• The final restoration is securely attached, completing your new, confident smile.

6. Follow-up & Maintenance

• Regular checkups and professional cleanings help ensure long-term implant success.
• Proper oral hygiene is essential to keep your implants healthy.

 

Before & After Dental Implants at KoKo Dental Care

Insurance & Financing: Making Dental Implants Affordable for Seniors

Many seniors wonder how they can afford dental implants, and insurance coverage plays a crucial role in making treatment more accessible. At KoKo Dental Care, we work with DentaQuest, Senior Whole Health and Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options to help maximize benefits and explore financing options.

Understanding Dental Implant Coverage

DentaQuest, Senior Whole Health and Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options provide dental implant coverage for seniors in Massachusetts. Individuals over the age of 65 who have MassHealth Standard may qualify for these senior-care options. While the extent of coverage depends on the plan and medical necessity, in many cases, these plans cover up to four dental implants per year, ensuring that seniors have access to essential restorative treatments.

Coverage for Additional Implant-Related Procedures

Beyond implant placement, DentaQuest, Senior Whole Health and Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options often provide partial or full coverage for related procedures that are deemed medically necessary. These procedures include:

• Tooth extractions before implant placement.
• Bone grafting when medically necessary to support implants.
• Dental crowns and bridges for alternative prosthetic solutions.

At KoKo Dental Care, we work closely with insurance providers to maximize your benefits and ensure you receive the best possible coverage for your treatment.

Pre-Authorization Requirements

For seniors in Massachusetts seeking dental implant coverage through DentaQuest, Senior Whole Health or Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options, pre-authorization is required before treatment can begin. This process ensures that the procedure is deemed medically necessary and aligns with the plan’s coverage guidelines. Patients must submit documentation—including dental evaluations, X-rays and treatment plans—that our team at KoKo Dental Care assists with to streamline approval. The review process can take several weeks, so we recommend scheduling a consultation early to avoid delays. 

Co-pays, Deductibles and Annual Maximums

When it comes to dental implant coverage for seniors in Massachusetts, DentaQuest, Senior Whole Health and Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options offer affordable benefits with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Unlike many private dental insurance plans, these programs do not require co-pays for covered implant procedures. Additionally, there are no traditional deductibles, making it easier for seniors to access necessary treatments without upfront expenses. Coverage usually includes up to four dental implants per year, though specific annual limits may vary based on individual plan details and medical necessity. For patients needing additional implants or related procedures such as bone grafting, extractions or crowns, our team at KoKo Dental Care helps navigate insurance benefits to maximize coverage and explore financing options if needed.

Alternative Coverage Options

For seniors whose insurance does not fully cover dental implants, we offer alternative solutions, including:

• Medicare Advantage plans with extended dental benefits.
• Medicaid waivers that may help cover specific procedures.
• Assistance from our insurance broker, who works with MassHealth, to help seniors find the best plan for their needs.

Free Consultations for Implants and Insurance Options

At KoKo Dental Care, we offer free consultations to help seniors explore their options for implant treatment, financing and insurance coverage. Our team will review your specific plan and guide you through the best solutions to make dental implants affordable.

Get Started with Your Dental Implant Journey

Navigating dental implant insurance can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to help at KoKo Dental Care. Whether you have DentaQuest, Senior Whole Health or Tufts Health Plan Senior Care Options or need alternative financing options, our team will work with you to make treatment affordable and stress-free.

Contact us today for your free consultation and take the first step toward restoring your smile!

To many people, a morning coffee or afternoon glass of wine is a ritual that cannot be disturbed or broken, but as there are many joys that come with those drinks there are still many enamel-straining prices. There are 3 different types of staining that can happen to your teeth and different causes. Learn more below. If you are unhappy with the color of your smile, KoKo Dental Care in Waltham, MA can help!

Types of Stains:

Tooth discoloration can be caused by surface stains, material changes in your teeth, or a mix of the two. Tooth discoloration can be divided into three types, according to dentists:

• Extrinsic Teeth Stains: These stains are a type of discoloration that affects the outer layer of your teeth. Extrinsic stains are not as permanent as the other types, these stains will not respond to simply brushing your teeth. If there are cracks on the teeth they can become deep-set and begin to be harder to remove. 
• Intrinsic Teeth Stains: This type of stain will be found on the inner layer of your teeth or the dentin. Though dentin is beneath the tooth enamel, the darkened dentin can cause the whole tooth to appear discolored. 
• Age-Related Teeth Stains: Age-related teeth stains are a combination of both extrinsic and intrinsic discoloration. The core tissue of your teeth, the dentin, will naturally yellow over time causing your teeth to become discolored. Another factor that may cause your teeth to show discoloration is that the enamel of your teeth will become thinner allowing the dentin to show through. 

Causes of Enamel Stains

There can be many causes when it comes to teeth stains. Certain drinks and foods can cause there to be stains on your teeth, but there can be a biological factor as well. Many times there can be ways to prevent these stains from appearing on your teeth and many that you can not control. This list can help you determine what the cause was behind the stains on your teeth.

1. Food & Drink: Coffee, dark sodas, red wine, and some fruits and vegetables can be so acidic that they cause staining.
2. Tobacco: Cigarettes and chewing tobacco can contribute to discoloration
3. Oral Care: Tooth discoloration can be caused by poor dental hygiene, such as insufficient brushing or flossing.
4. Trauma or Disease: Discolored teeth can result from any trauma, illness, or disease that impairs enamel formation in children, whether in the womb or while teeth are developing (under the age of 8). Adult teeth can sometimes become stained as a result of trauma. Discolored teeth can be caused by a number of disorders and therapies, chemotherapy and radiation, for example, cause tooth discoloration.
5. Medical Treatments: There are times when some medical treatments can contribute to your teeth staining as well as some medications. 

Ways to Help Clear Stains

There are a few remedies that can help lessen the impact of these causes. With help of some products, the coloration of your stains can become less apparent, but will not fully remove those stains. 

• Keeping a consistent healthy oral routine – brushing twice a day and daily flossing
• Twice-yearly visit to your dentist
• Limitation of teeth-staining beverages
• At-home remedies – brushing with baking soda products
• Professional teeth whitening

If you are interested in getting your teeth back to pearly white, contact KoKo Dental Care in Waltham, MA today for a professional teeth whitening session!

Learn About Teeth Whitening