Many people often ignore the need to care for their teeth, but keeping your teeth healthy is really important. Going to the dentist often helps you keep your mouth clean, and it’s good for your overall health.
But dental treatments can sometimes be really expensive. For example, getting dental implants can cost as much as $6000. Dental implants cost a lot but are worth it because they last a lifetime.
You might not want dental implants because they’re expensive, but don’t worry! Dental insurance can help you pay for them.
These insurance plans can help pay for simple things like regular teeth cleanings, but they can also help pay for bigger treatments like dental implants.
But there’s a lot more to understand about dental insurance and implants. So, in this article, we will explain how dental insurance works for implants and How To Get Dental Implants Covered By Insurance.
What Are Dental Implants?
Dental implants are things you put in your mouth when you have a missing tooth. They’re put in during surgery, where the dentist replaces the tooth root with a metal screw.
This metal screw, or implant, is put into the bone of your jaw to act like the root of a real tooth. Then, the dentist puts a fake tooth (called a crown) on top of the implant to replace the missing tooth.
What’s great about dental implants is that they work just like real teeth. They’re also better than bridges and dentures because they feel more like real teeth since they have a root.
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Does dental insurance pay for implants?
Some dental insurance plans might help pay for implants. But it depends on the type of insurance you have. Sometimes, the insurance might not pay for everything, so you must pay for the part.
The first steps in getting an implant are usually pulling the tooth and preparing the area for the implant. Insurance often covers these steps. After that, the implant and crown might be covered, but sometimes only partly or not at all.
Even if your insurance does help pay for the implants, you might still have to pay a certain amount (a deductible) before the insurance starts paying. And the insurance might not cover other things, like consultations, X-rays, and anesthesia. Also, the type of implant your dentist uses can affect whether your insurance will pay for it.
The reason you’re getting the implant can affect whether your insurance pays for it too. If you need an implant because of an accident, many dental insurance plans will help pay for it.
But if it’s just for looks (a cosmetic procedure), they may only pay for the part. And every insurance plan is different, so you must check with your insurance company beforehand.
Also, if you still need to get a tooth before you get the insurance, some dental plans might not pay for the implant.
Does health insurance pay for dental implants?
Usually, regular health insurance doesn’t pay for dental implants. The only exception might be if you lose a tooth in an accident. So, if you lose a tooth in a car accident and need an implant, your health insurance might help pay for it. But this only happens sometimes.
How Much Do Dental Implants Cost?
The cost of dental implants can vary a lot because everyone’s teeth are different. Also, the price depends on many different things, like the dental office you visit.
Some dentists might do a CT scan for free during your consultation, while others might charge you for it. You might also have to pay extra for 3D imaging in some places, which can add around $350 to $515 to your bill.
Getting an implant for one tooth can cost anywhere from $3000 to $4500. It could cost between $60,000 and $90,000 if you need implants for all your teeth.
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What Dental Procedures Does Insurance Cover?
Not all insurance companies will pay for dental implants. Some might think of them as cosmetic surgery, which isn’t usually covered by dental insurance. This could mean you must pay thousands of dollars out of your pocket.
But, many insurance companies offer dental insurance as part of their plans. These aren’t part of your regular medical or life insurance but are plans you must pay for separately.
Although it might feel like more effort, health insurance that has dental coverage typically only pays for simple dental procedures. They often don’t cover more complex procedures like dental implants.
Getting dental insurance can be a good idea because it can cover lots of different things, like:
- Root canals (endodontics)
- Gum treatments (periodontics)
- Oral surgery
- Tooth replacements (prosthodontics)
- Basic tooth repairs (basic restorative care)
- Braces (orthodontics)
- Preventative care
How Can I Get Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
It’s usually best to have a separate dental insurance plan. These plans usually cover more things and offer more coverage.
If you only have medical insurance that covers dental, the coverage might be limited. But, you might still be able to get some or all of the cost of dental implants covered if:
- You lost a tooth in an accident or injury.
- Losing a tooth caused other medical problems.
- You lost a tooth because of a disease like oral cancer.
What Kind of Insurance Covers Dental Implants?
When you’re looking for dental insurance, there are two main types of plans:
- Dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): You don’t need a referral, and you can pick any dentist you want, even a specialist. It costs less if you pick a dentist in the insurance network.
- Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO): This is a cheaper plan where you can pick your own dentist. If you need to see a specialist, you need a referral.
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Closing Note
It’s true what they say – it’s better to prevent problems than to fix them!
If you don’t care for your teeth, you might need serious dental work that can cost a lot of money.
To avoid this, visiting the dentist regularly and getting a complete check-up every few months is a good idea.