In the process of getting dental care, I have been investigating dental implants. While getting evaluated, they sent me for a CAT scan of my jaws.
Two specialists have told me that my lower jaw is deteriorating. My lower jaw bone is only about 1/4" thick now instead of 2" or so for a healthy jaw.
They have advised me that I need bone grafts from my hip to my jaw. Then they will put in one implant on each side to prevent my jaw from deteriorating further.
If I don't have the bone grafts, I will continue to lose bone and will not be able to eat solid food eventually (about 10 years from now). Also my jaw bone will be very fragile and will break easily. I am currently 57 and lost several of my back lower teeth almost 50 years ago (when dentistry was not able to save teeth as they can today).
I have been strongly advised to have the bone grafts soon. Will my health insurance pay for the hospital stay and bone graft operation? I have Kaiser. I am not asking for any money for the dental implants.
My dental insurance has a $1500 limit per year so there's not much help there.
I am willing to appeal a negative decision from Kaiser- is there a particular format that works best? I can attach the CAT scans of my jaw which are pretty horrifying. My dentist will also write a letter for me.
Thanks so much for any help or ideas. I appreciate your time.
Two specialists have told me that my lower jaw is deteriorating. My lower jaw bone is only about 1/4" thick now instead of 2" or so for a healthy jaw.
They have advised me that I need bone grafts from my hip to my jaw. Then they will put in one implant on each side to prevent my jaw from deteriorating further.
If I don't have the bone grafts, I will continue to lose bone and will not be able to eat solid food eventually (about 10 years from now). Also my jaw bone will be very fragile and will break easily. I am currently 57 and lost several of my back lower teeth almost 50 years ago (when dentistry was not able to save teeth as they can today).
I have been strongly advised to have the bone grafts soon. Will my health insurance pay for the hospital stay and bone graft operation? I have Kaiser. I am not asking for any money for the dental implants.
My dental insurance has a $1500 limit per year so there's not much help there.
I am willing to appeal a negative decision from Kaiser- is there a particular format that works best? I can attach the CAT scans of my jaw which are pretty horrifying. My dentist will also write a letter for me.
Thanks so much for any help or ideas. I appreciate your time.