Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist may have recommended that you get dental implants due to the many amazing benefits they offer. However, this treatment tends to cost more than traditional forms of tooth replacement. It is only natural to wonder, then, if your dental insurance will cover a portion of your bill. This blog post explores what you should know about dental insurance and dental implants.

Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Keep in mind that every dental insurance policy is unique, so coverage can vary quite a bit between plans. It is important that you look into the details of your specific benefits to find out how they might apply in any given situation.

In the past, most dental insurance plans did not cover implants. That is because the treatment was classified as more of a luxury than a necessity. Now, though, more and more insurance companies are accepting the fact that dental implants are extremely valuable for patients and can bring a lot of long-term benefits. Therefore, coverage is becoming increasingly common.

If your insurance covers implants, it will likely classify them as a major service, so around 50% of the cost of your procedure might be covered, up to the amount of your annual benefits maximum. If you are able to use your benefits, you might enjoy out-of-pocket savings of $1,000 or more.

Insurance and Implant-Related Procedures

The dental implant process involves multiple steps. Even if your insurance does not cover implants themselves, it is likely to apply to other portions of your tooth replacement journey. For example, it may reduce your out-of-pocket obligation for services like tooth extractions, gum disease therapy, and the crown, bridge, or denture that will eventually get attached to your implants.

Taking Advantage of Your Benefits

Here are some points to keep in mind as you seek to use insurance coverage for dental implants:

• You might need preauthorization. Your insurance company might require that you get their approval before you move forward with your procedure. Your dental team can help you file all the necessary forms.
• Schedule your treatment strategically. Implant treatment can take several months. If you split up your care between calendar years, you might be able to use two annual maximums instead of just one.
• Find out if you can use your health insurance. In some cases, medical insurance will cover dental implant surgery.
• Ask how much you will owe. Your dental team can provide you with an estimate for how much you will pay out-of-pocket. They can also assist you with applying for financing if necessary.

Your dental insurance might help you rebuild a healthy, complete smile! Learn how your policy works so you can use it to your advantage.

Meet the Practice

At Martinez Dentistry, we are proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant treatment. We welcome insurance, and we are in-network with Delta Dental Premier. If you are curious about the cost of tooth replacement and how you may be able to afford it, we invite you to get in touch with our Alexandria, IN, team at 765-724-7729.