Are Dental Implants Covered By Dental Insurance?
Dental insurance is extremely helpful when it comes to getting the dental care you need. Most dental insurance plans cover preventive services at 100% and may cover restorative procedures up to a certain percentage or dollar amount.
But what about more expensive procedures? Are dental implants covered by dental insurance? In the case of complex or costly procedures, insurance plans may vary. Here’s what you can expect in terms of insurance coverage for dental implants.
How Do Dental Implants Work?
When one or more teeth can’t be saved and need to be replaced, dental implants are one option. A dental implant is an artificial tooth root that takes the place of the natural root that is missing if a tooth is lost or extracted. An implant is made of titanium and shaped like a screw with threads that help it fuse with the jaw bone. This fusion process, called osseointegration, forms a solid bond between the jaw and the implant. An artificial tooth can be attached to the implant to replace a single tooth. Multiple implants can be placed throughout the jaw to provide support for dentures.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?
It used to be that no insurance providers were willing to cover dental implants due the high cost. They would cover dental bridges because the cost is lower, even though a bridge is an inferior dental prosthetic. Now, due to the high demand for dental implants, more dental insurance providers are offering plans that include some coverage for implants. The change is also due to dental professionals advocating for their patients and emphasizing the dental health benefits of implants.
You may need to upgrade to a plan with a higher premium in order to get coverage for dental implants, but the added cost may be worth it if you plan to get them sometime in the near future.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
In some cases medical insurance will cover dental implants. This is usually in the case of an accident or injury that resulted in the loss of teeth. It may also cover dental implants if the loss of teeth was due to a medical condition, such as oral cancer. If you have dental and medical insurance that both cover dental implants, you may be able to combine coverage to maximize your benefits.
Can I Afford Dental Implants Without Insurance?
If you don’t have insurance or if your plan doesn’t cover dental implants, you don’t have to settle for a lower quality option. Financing can make the cost of dental implants more affordable. With low monthly payments you can get dental implants now and pay for them over time.
Who Provides Dental Implant Placement?
A variety of dental professionals may offer dental implant placement, including dentists, periodontists, and oral surgeons. Dental implant placement is considered a surgical procedure because it involves cutting into the gum tissue as well as the bone. Dr. Miyamoto at Fullerton Oral Surgery is a highly qualified oral surgeon with the necessary training and expertise to perform dental implant surgery.
To learn more, call 714-525-1178 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants
Are dental implants worth the cost?
Dental implants can last a lifetime, so the investment is worth it, even if you pay for them out of pocket. You are investing in a lifetime of natural looking and functioning dental prosthetics.
Why don’t all insurance plans cover dental implants?
Some insurance providers categorize dental implants as a cosmetic enhancement, which is how they get around providing coverage as part of a standard dental health plan. Many providers offer coverage as an upgrade to a higher tier plan with a higher premium. Insurance would typically rather cover a less expensive option, such as a dental bridge.