Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?
If you’ve lost one or more of your precious teeth due to an accident or decay, it can be devastating and even affect your confidence to smile. Fortunately, dental implants can come to your rescue! The question is, will dental insurance cover dental implant costs?
Find out if dental insurance covers implants and how much they cost. You’ll also discover the benefits you get to enjoy when you choose dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are like tiny superheroes that save your smile by acting as artificial tooth roots. The dentist or oral surgeon uses a strong and durable titanium alloy to create the implants in a screw-like shape.
Next, they’ll insert the implant into your jawbone and allow it to heal. During this time, the implant and your natural bone bond together.
After forming the bond, the dental implant becomes a rock-solid base that can support one or more artificial teeth, called crowns.
The dentist then attaches the crown(s) to the implants securely above your gum, restoring your smile.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
Dental implants are an excellent solution for people who have missing teeth. However, the cost of a single dental implant can vary depending on several factors.
On average, a single dental implant can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $2,000. This cost includes the implant, which your dentist will surgically place into the jawbone. But that's not all.
In addition to the implant cost, you’ll have to pay other expenses too. For instance, the crown, which is the artificial tooth attached to the implant, can be either custom-made or stock, adding to the total cost.
There is also the abutment, which links the implant and the crown, and the cost of tooth and root extraction. Don't forget the cost of pre-op and post-op care and office visits. These can range from $1,500 to $2,800, bringing the total cost of a single implant to around $3,000 to $4,800.
Remember, every patient's case is different. Also, prices can fluctuate based on your location, your dentist's experience, and the type of implant and materials used.
Does Your Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Getting a dental implant can be pricey, and the final cost will depend on various factors. These include:
- Consultations
- X-rays
- Pre-surgery treatments like bone grafts or extractions
- Anesthesia
- The crown
All of these components contribute to the total cost of the implant, which may or may not be under your insurance plan.
Insurance plans may deny coverage for dental implants unless they’re medically necessary due to an accident. Some plans classify implants as cosmetic procedures and don’t cover them.
You might have to pay for the entire procedure out of pocket. So, it's crucial to be aware of what your dental plan covers and doesn't to avoid any surprises.
Does Medicare Cover Implants?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) doesn’t cover dental implants or other dental procedures. However, it may cover any medical care resulting from the procedure.
Medicare Advantage, on the other hand, may cover dental implant procedures depending on your plan. However, you may have to pay a higher premium, and you’ll usually get a maximum amount of coverage per year. If you exhaust it before the year ends, you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
Note that some Medicare Advantage plans which offer dental coverage benefits may exclude dental implants. So, you need to confirm with an agent or check the Evidence of Coverage to be sure.
Understanding Your Dental Insurance Coverage
Insurance policies may cover a portion of the following dental care procedures.
Preventive Care
The good news is that most plans will cover preventive care. This includes regular check-ups and professional cleanings, which are essential to keeping your teeth and gums healthy.
By catching any potential problems early, you can avoid more expensive treatments down the road.
Since many dental insurance plans will cover 100% of the cost, take advantage of preventive care coverage and schedule your routine check-ups regularly.
Root Canals
When teeth are badly damaged or infected, root canals become necessary. By removing the infected pulp and filling it with a strong and durable material, root canals help to keep your teeth in top shape. This means you can still easily chew your favorite foods and protect your other teeth from unnecessary pressure.
Plus, root canals keep your jawbone strong and healthy, which helps to keep your teeth aligned and looking great! This is why most dental insurance policies cover root canals.
Restorative Care
Restorative care is essential for maintaining the health and functionality of your teeth. This type of dental treatment includes procedures like fillings and crowns. They aim to repair damaged teeth and prevent more severe issues from developing in the future.
By addressing tooth decay or damage through restorative care, you can avoid more extensive dental work that may become necessary for untreated dental issues.
Regular restorative care can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Oral Surgery
Oral surgery involves a range of procedures that a dentist performs inside the mouth. Examples are:
- Tooth extractions
- Biopsies of oral tissues
- Drainage of bacterial infections
- Placement of dental implants
If you ever need oral surgery, rest assured that your insurance may cover it.
Benefits of Dental Implants
Not only do they enhance the appearance and function of your teeth, but they also provide numerous benefits, including:
Improved Oral Hygiene
Dental implants provide an easier and more efficient way to maintain oral hygiene. Unlike dentures or dental bridges, you can brush and floss dental implants like natural teeth.
This makes it easier to protect the gums and roots from harmful bacteria. Also, it leads to better long-term oral health and reduces the risk of gum disease, tooth decay, and other dental issues.
Proper Teeth Alignment
Having a complete set of teeth is crucial for maintaining each tooth's proper alignment and stability. Losing a tooth can affect neighboring teeth, causing them to shift or tilt out of place.
This can lead to a crooked smile and further dental health issues.
Dental implants serve as a stable anchor for neighboring teeth. It helps to keep them in place while maintaining a healthy smile.
Prevents Additional Tooth Loss
Dental implants prevent additional tooth loss by providing stability and support to neighboring teeth. Without an implant to anchor the surrounding teeth, they can become loose and eventually fall out. This causes a domino effect of tooth loss.
Long-Lasting Dental Health
Although the upfront cost may seem steep, investing in dental implants can potentially save you a considerable amount of time, money, and discomfort in the long run.
Dental implants stand out not only for their health benefits but also for their impressive longevity. While traditional bridges and dentures may last for only five years, dental implants can last for 30 years or more.
So, why settle for temporary fixes when you can future-proof your dental health with the long-lasting solution of dental implants?
Save Money on Dental Implants!
Don’t let cost discourage you from getting a dental implant. Simply get a Carefree Dental card and visit a participating dentist to enjoy savings of 15 - 50%** per visit, in most instances.
With prices as low as $15.95 per month for individuals and $19.95 per month for families, you can rest assured that dental care won't burn a hole in your pocket anymore.
Sign up for Carefree Dental now!
*Actual costs and savings vary by provider, service, and geographical area.
The Carefree Dental blog is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The text and pictures within the content are intended for information purposes only. Readers should consult with a licensed dentist or healthcare professional before seeking treatment.
The Carefree Dental Card is not insurance, and Carefree Dental is not an insurance provider.
