Understanding dental insurance coverage can be confusing, especially treatments like dental implants. While some dental insurance plans offer coverage for implants, others consider it an elective procedure and won’t cover dental implants at all. It all depends on the individual dental plan details, the reason you need dental implants, and the extent of the treatment.
To find dental insurance that covers implants, it’s important to understand the plan details as well as understand the many cost factors that go into getting dental implant surgery, from the pre-treatment consultations and x-rays, to the surgery itself, to after care treatments.
Looking for dental insurance plans that covers implants? We offer a variety of plans for individuals and families with different benefits to fit your needs.
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What are dental implants?
Dental implants are medical structures that are surgically placed into the jaw to hold a dental crown, bridge or denture in place, acting as the tooth root. By implanting a screw-like device directly into the jaw, you get a strong foundation for replacement teeth. Implant eventually bond with surrounding bone tissue through a process called osseointegration.
When are dental implants necessary?
Dental implants are needed when you have missing teeth that cannot be replaced with traditional bridges, crowns, or dentures.
There are many benefits to dental implants, including:
- Improved speech when helping replace missing teeth
- Better comfort when wearing dentures
- Improved appearance and self-esteem
- Restored ability to eat and chew
- Improved oral health
- Convenience and durability
- Support for facial muscles and surrounding teeth
- Bone loss prevention
How long do dental implants last?
Dental implants are designed to be permanent and blend in naturally with your other teeth, and when properly cared for, can last several decades.
Dental implants can fail as a result of following:
- Improper maintenance and dental care, such as not brushing or flossing.
- Bone loss, from health issues like peri-implant disease or osteoporosis
- Medical issues, such as diabetes or weakened immune systems
- Smoking
- Teeth grinding
- Medications
How much do dental implants cost without dental insurance?
In the U.S., it costs between $3,000 and $4,500 on average to replace a single tooth. For a full set of teeth, it can cost between $20,000 and $45,000.
Understanding dental insurance plan for implants
Knowing whether you have a dental insurance plan that covers dental implants starts with knowing what’s all needed for your dental implant procedure. Dental insurance plans and coverage details will depend on if you’re replacing a single tooth, or if you need a full arch restoration.
- Tooth extraction: Are you missing teeth? Do you have a damaged tooth that needs to be extracted (pulled)? Are you already missing a tooth? If part of a damaged tooth is present, your dentist will need to extract it before your dental implant surgery. Many dental plans may cover all or part of a tooth extraction and are typically considered a “basic” service.
- Bone grafting: If you have bone loss to your jaw, you may need your jawbone reinforced before your dental implant surgery. This ensures the implant stays properly stable in the mouth. It’s important to know that some plans do not cover the cost of bone grafting.
- Implant procedure: The surgery for the placement of the dental implant is considered a “major” procedure. Many dental insurance plans offer coverage for implants as a major service, sometimes as much as 50% of the service. Some don’t so it’s best to check this before you buy.
- Artificial tooth placement: Placing the artificial tooth is often considered a major service, but some plans may cover this similar to placing a crown on a natural tooth. It’s important to check the details of your plan to understand individual costs for major procedures.
Depending on the reason you need a dental implant, you may also be able to use health insurance and dental insurance for the dental implant procedure. Some health insurance policies may cover dental implants as a result of tooth loss from medical complications, such as oral cancer, for example. Check the details of your health insurance plan or contact the insurance company for more information on dental implant coverage.
There may also be a waiting period for a major dental procedure like dental implants. A waiting period, which is the length of time before your full dental insurance benefits begins, can range from 30 days to a year. However, some insurance plans begin right away and have no waiting periods.
What is the best dental insurance for implants?
The best dental insurance for implants for you depends on the reason you need dental implants and the extent of the treatment. When shopping for dental insurance, be sure to consider the following elements in dental plans:
- What is the annual maximum for dental coverage?
- What are my out-of-pocket costs? Is there a deductible, coinsurance, or copays?
- What percent of a dental implant procedure does the dental insurance cover?
- Is there a waiting period for major procedures like dental implants?
- Is a referral needed before receiving dental implants?
- Will my health insurance cover implants?
Looking for dental insurance plans that covers implants? We offer a variety of plans for individuals and families with different benefits to fit your needs.
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