If you are missing one or more teeth, your dentist may have recommended that you get dental implants to recomplete your smile. They offer many benefits that are not available with other forms of tooth replacement, including a strong bite and support for your jawbone health. However, you might be concerned about costs. Does dental insurance cover dental implants? This blog post explains some key points that you should keep in mind.
Coverage for Dental Implants Can Vary
Every dental insurance policy is unique. The only way to find out for sure whether yours covers implants is to investigate its details. Your online insurance portal might be able to help with this, or you may ask your dental team to verify your benefits.
In the past, it was relatively rare for insurance to cover implants. However, because they are now widely recognized as the gold standard in tooth replacement, coverage is becoming more common. Many plans cover up to 50% of their cost, up to the amount of the plan’s annual benefits maximum. Some patients save hundreds or even thousands of dollars out-of-pocket by using their insurance.
Coverage for Other Parts of the Implant Procedure
Replacing lost teeth with dental implants is a multi-step procedure, so even if your insurance does not cover the implants themselves, it might cover other portions of your care. For example, it is likely to cover preliminary services, such as bone grafting, tooth extractions, or gum disease treatment. It may also pay for a portion of the cost of the crown, bridge, or denture that will get attached to your implants.
Tips for Managing the Cost of Dental Implants
Here are some pointers for using your insurance to minimize the cost of dental implants:
- Seek preauthorization if necessary. Talk to your insurance company or dental care team to find out more about the process of using your insurance. Your dentist might have to submit forms to establish the necessity of your procedure.
- Understand your out-of-pocket cost. Your dental team can provide a detailed cost estimate. They can also help you understand other payment options, such as low-interest financing.
- Consider adjusting your timing. Dental insurance policies often have an annual maximum, which resets each year. If you plan your tooth replacement so it takes place across calendar years, you may be able to use two maximums instead of only one.
Your dental insurance might help you rebuild a strong and healthy smile! Learn about your policy so you can get the greatest value out of it.
Meet the Practice
At Comprehensive Dental Associates of Central Connecticut, we are proud to offer start-to-finish dental implant services in a welcoming environment. We accept more than 200 different dental insurance plans, including those from Delta Dental, MetLife, Assurant, and more. To find out how you can use your benefits in our practice, contact us at 860-288-5786.