Dental Implants: Are They Cosmetic, Covered, and Worth It?
Replacing missing teeth is about more than restoring your smile. It’s about rebuilding comfort, confidence, and long-term oral health. At Sheyenne Dental in Fargo, ND, we use advanced technology like CEREC same-day crowns and 3D CBCT imaging to make dental implants a precise, seamless experience.
Whether you’re missing one tooth or several, this guide will help you understand the real value of dental implants—how they look, how they function, and how they may fit into your insurance plan.
This Article Will Address:
- Are dental implants considered cosmetic dentistry?
- Will insurance cover dental implants?
- What are the benefits of dental implants?
- Am I a candidate for implants?
- Are dental implants worth it?
Are Dental Implants Considered Cosmetic Dentistry?
Many patients ask whether dental implants fall under cosmetic dentistry or restorative care. The truth is, implants are both.
From an aesthetic standpoint, they replace missing teeth with natural-looking restorations that blend perfectly with your smile. Functionally, they prevent jawbone loss, protect surrounding teeth, and restore your ability to eat and speak comfortably.
At Sheyenne Dental, we view implants as a functional dental restoration that enhances both health and appearance. While they certainly improve the look of your smile, they also maintain oral stability and prevent long-term complications like bone resorption or shifting teeth.
This dual purpose—cosmetic beauty with medical necessity—is what makes implants unique in modern dentistry.
Will Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Understanding Coverage and Medical Necessity
Insurance coverage for dental implants depends on how your provider classifies the procedure. Many plans label implants as “cosmetic,” but coverage may apply when the treatment is deemed medically necessary.
Common reasons for coverage include:
- Tooth loss due to trauma or injury
- Decay or disease that requires extraction
- Bone loss that affects oral function
Our team helps patients navigate these details every day. We’ll verify your benefits, submit pre-treatment estimates, and document the clinical need for your procedure.
Financing and Payment Options
Even when coverage is limited, we believe cost should never stand in the way of confident smiles. Sheyenne Dental offers transparent pricing, flexible financing, and guidance on using HSA/FSA funds for treatment.
For North Dakota residents, we also assist in exploring state dental assistance programs and local financing options. Patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation so we can provide a personalized benefits check before treatment begins.
What Are the Benefits of Dental Implants?
Functional and Health Advantages
Dental implants are designed to act like natural tooth roots. They offer:
- Permanent tooth replacement that prevents bone loss and preserves jaw structure
- Improved chewing and clear speech
- Protection of surrounding teeth, since no adjacent enamel is filed down as with bridges
Aesthetic and Emotional Benefits
Beyond their physical function, implants enhance confidence and quality of life.
- Natural-looking and feeling restorations
- Long-lasting durability (often 15 years or more)
- Restored comfort and self-esteem when smiling or eating
At Sheyenne Dental, we use digital imaging and same-day CEREC technology to ensure each restoration fits beautifully and feels natural.
Am I a Candidate for Dental Implants?
Dental implants are a reliable option for most adults who are in good overall health. Ideal candidates typically have:
- Healthy gums and sufficient bone density
- Strong oral hygiene habits
- A commitment to regular dental visits
- A non-smoking lifestyle
With our 3D CBCT imaging, Dr. Medora West-Roehl can accurately assess bone health and structure before planning your implant procedure. If you’ve experienced bone loss, we’ll discuss solutions such as bone grafting, mini-implants, or custom bridges.
Schedule an implant consultation at Sheyenne Dental in Fargo, ND to determine if you’re a candidate and to explore your personalized options.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
Dental implants are an investment in your long-term oral health. While they may cost more initially than bridges or dentures, their longevity and stability make them a better value over time.
Unlike removable dentures, implants:
- Prevent bone loss
- Stay securely in place
- Require minimal maintenance
- Provide natural function and feel
According to the Cleveland Clinic, dental implants have a success rate of 95–98%, offering decades of reliable use with proper care.
At Sheyenne Dental, our technology and expertise allow us to complete treatments efficiently, comfortably, and with lasting results that protect both your health and your confidence.
What to Expect from the Dental Implant Process at Sheyenne Dental
Your implant journey begins with a personalized consultation. During this visit, Dr. West-Roehl reviews your goals, performs a 3D scan, and designs a precise treatment plan.
Step-by-step process:
- Consultation and digital imaging – evaluate bone and gum health.
- Implant placement – a titanium post is positioned to act as the tooth root.
- Healing and integration – the implant bonds with bone over several months.
- Restoration – a custom crown, made with CEREC same-day technology, completes your smile.
Throughout every stage, our focus is on comfort, communication, and education. You’ll always know what to expect and feel supported by a team that treats you like family.
Why Choose Sheyenne Dental for Implant Restorations in Fargo, ND
Patients choose Sheyenne Dental because we combine modern technology with genuine care.
- Experience: Dr. Medora West-Roehl brings years of clinical and hygiene expertise to each case.
- Advanced tools: 3D CBCT imaging, digital scans, and same-day CEREC crowns.
- Patient-centered approach: Family-friendly environment focused on education and comfort.
We take pride in delivering professional dental services that improve health and create smiles built to last.
Restore Your Smile with Confidence
At Sheyenne Dental in Fargo, ND, we believe dental implants are more than a treatment—they’re a lifelong investment in confidence and well-being. Our mission, Exceptional Service, Genuine Smiles, guides every step of care.
Call our office or request an appointment online to learn if dental implants are right for you. Together, we’ll create a solution that restores function, beauty, and peace of mind.
Sources
- Cleveland Clinic. “Dental Implants.” Updated 2024
- American Association of Endodontists (AAE) — “Dental Implant Resources”
- FDA — “Dental Implants: What You Should Know”
- AAID (American Academy of Implant Dentistry)
Dr. West-Roehl
Dr. Medora West-Roehl, DMD, is the owner and dentist at Sheyenne Dental in West Fargo, ND. A Fargo-Moorhead native, she earned her Bachelor of Science from North Dakota State University and her Doctor of Dental Medicine from Midwestern University in Glendale, AZ. With years of experience serving patients in the Casselton and West Fargo communities, Dr. West-Roehl is dedicated to combining advanced dental technology with a warm, personalized approach. She is a member of the American Dental Association, North Dakota Dental Association, and Southeastern District Dental Society, and is committed to helping patients feel comfortable and confident in their care.