Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants

It's important to check your policy or with your insurance company if you're considering dental implants. You may have to wait a certain period of time before coverage starts. Dental plans also usually only pay for part of the procedure's total cost, and your policy may have a spending cap.

Regular health insurance almost never covers dental implants. You're only covered if you have another medical problem that requires you get implants. For example, you may get coverage if you need surgery because of a car accident.

Does insurance cover dental implants?

Keep in mind, some dental plans don't cover tooth implants. Even if your policy has implant coverage, you may be responsible for most of the costs. That's because you'll typically need to pay a certain amount of money before coverage starts, called a deductible.

Once you meet your deductible, your dental insurance will typically pay between 10% and half of your costs up to an annual limit. Certain plans may only cover some parts of the procedure.

Your regular health insurance won't typically pay for dental implants. But, you might have coverage if your doctor decides you need them because of another health problem.

Does Medicare cover dental implants

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) follows the same rules as health insurance for dental implants. That means Medicare will pay for dental implants if your doctor decides you need them as part of a "covered procedure."

Medicare Advantage plans with dental coverage also follow the same rules as regular dental plans. That means your plan may cover some of the procedure's costs, but you'll typically be responsible for your deductible and some cost-sharing.

Find out if you have dental implant coverage

To find out if you have dental insurance with implant coverage, it's important to reach out to your company or insurance broker with any questions. Your dentist's office may be able to help you through this process.

Step 1: Check how your plan defines dental implants

Dental insurance companies typically put procedures into several categories, including preventive services like annual cleanings and X-rays, basic services like fillings and root canals and major procedures like implants and crowns.

Insurance companies typically restrict coverage for major procedures. That means plans usually only pay for a certain percentage of your dental implant's total cost up to an annual limit.

Step 2: Review your policy

Before you schedule your appointment, it's a good idea to call your insurance company or broker and check your policy details. That's because many dental plans limit coverage for certain procedures during the first six to 12 months of the policy, called a waiting period. You can buy dental coverage with no waiting period, but it may cost more.

It's usually easier to call your company or broker than it is to read your policy details. That's because insurance plan documents are often quite complex. However, you can find these details in your plan's fine print if you don't mind spending some extra time with your policy.

Step 3: Confirm with your insurance company and dentist

Talk to your dentist before you commit to a procedure. Your dentist will give you a cost estimate, which should include the specific services you'll need and their price tags.

Next, call your insurance company and go over the listed services with a representative. It's possible your company may pay for some services, but not others.

Ask your insurance company to send you a confirmation email or a letter. That may help you if you have to appeal a claim denial later on.

Dental implants and prices

Remember, the price you pay will depend on factors such as where you live, the dentist you choose and your insurance coverage. You can typically expect to pay between $3,700 and $6,200 for a single tooth implant.

You can save money by opting for a cheaper procedure. An implant-supported bridge costs about $3,700, on average. But this procedure doesn't offer the same level of durability as a dental implant.

How much do dental implants cost with insurance?

Most insurance plans will require you to pay more than half the total cost of your tooth implant.

For example, you'll typically need to pay a certain amount of money before your coverage starts, called a deductible. Then you'll pay for part of the cost of your procedure up to your plan's annual spending cap. You're responsible for any remaining costs.

Cost breakdown for a $3,000 tooth implant

In this example, you would pay $2,000 and your dental insurance would cover the remaining $1,000. Keep in mind that the amount you pay for dental implants with insurance will differ depending on factors like your total cost and your plan's deductible, coinsurance and annual spending cap.

Best dental insurance companies for implants

Dental insurance companies typically have multiple plan choices. That means dental implant coverage differs more by plan choice than by company. Plan availability depends, in part, on where you live.

It's a good idea to bundle your health and dental coverage if possible. That's because bundling lets you save money, and it simplifies claims filing and bill pay.

When shopping for the best insurance for dental implants, look closely at the total cost you'll pay, waiting periods and customer satisfaction reputation. Choosing a company with good service means you'll probably have an easier time down the road when you file a claim.

What is a dental implant?

Getting a dental implant requires surgery and anesthesia. During the surgery, your dentist will plant a titanium rod into your jaw. This will act as an anchor for an artificial tooth, called a temporary crown.

You'll need to go back for a follow-up appointment to get a permanent crown after a few months. Assuming you don't have any problems, your dental implants should last for the rest of your life. However, you'll typically need to replace your crown every 15 years, on average. This is a relatively minor procedure that involves unscrewing your crown and swapping it out for a new one.

What are the benefits of dental implants?

Dental implants tend to last longer than dentures and other types of tooth replacements. Plus, implants are comfortable and natural-looking.

Dental implants can also help you prevent bone loss in your jaw. Lower bone density can make it hard to chew and speak. It may also affect the way your face looks.

Dental implants pros and cons

Frequently asked questions

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Methodology

Information related to average costs came from Aspen Dental. Medicare Advantage coverage information was taken from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF). Other sources include J.D. Power and HealthCare.gov public use files.