Dental implants are quickly becoming one of the most popular ways to replace missing teeth. They look natural, they never shift or slip, and they can last for decades with proper care. However, when deciding the best way to restore your smile, there are many factors to consider, including cost. While dental insurance regularly covers preventive services like checkups and cleanings, it’s a bit more complicated when it comes to dental implants. Keep reading to learn when dental insurance covers implant treatment and how you can maximize your insurance benefits.
Ask Your Insurance Provider About Implants
If you are interested in getting dental implants, you should first find out if your dental insurance will help pay for treatment. Unfortunately, many dental insurance plans consider implants to be a cosmetic service and do not provide coverage. However, there are always exceptions!
You can start by looking for information on your insurance provider’s website. If that does not work, try calling the company directly using their customer service line. Ask if they provide full OR partial coverage for dental implants. If you don’t feel comfortable calling your insurance company directly, your dental team will be happy to review your insurance benefits with you.
Insurance Coverage for Preliminary Procedures
Even if your dental insurance does not cover implants themselves, it may cover some implant-related procedures. Many patients have to undergo preliminary procedures before they are ready for implant treatment, such as:
- Bone graft to strengthen the jawbone.
- Gum disease therapy to overcome infected gums.
In addition, your dental insurance may cover costs associated with the restoration that attaches to your implant. This could be a crown, bridge, or denture.
What About Medical Insurance?
In rare cases, you may be able to turn to your medical insurance to help pay for dental implants. Here are a few examples of circumstances in which medical insurance may cover implant treatment:
- Loss of teeth due to a car accident or other physical trauma
- Missing teeth due to a medical condition
- Loss of teeth in the course of tumor treatment
- Congenitally missing teeth
How to Split Implant Treatment Costs
If your dental insurance covers at least a portion of dental implants, don’t wait to get started! The end of the year is often the ideal time to begin implant treatment and other extensive dental work. Dental insurance benefits typically reset at the beginning of each year. By starting implant treatment now, you can use up your remaining annual benefits before they vanish. Then, next year, you can take advantage of your renewed benefits once you meet your annual deductible.
Thanks to their unique benefits and long-lasting nature, dental implants are a wise investment. Talk to your dentist if you have questions about financing options or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage.
About the Author
Dr. Charles Fana has helped Savannah patients rebuild their smiles with dental implants for over 20 years. He partners with the top periodontists and oral surgeons in the area to ensure smooth and successful implant treatments. To learn more about how to maximize your insurance benefits when restoring missing teeth, visit the Compass Dental website or call 912-352-3955.
