Who says that losing your teeth is permanent? And why should you have to compromise on looking (and feeling) your best? Thanks to present-day dental technology, it is possible to replace one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth using dental implants. There are different types of dental implants, and they come with numerous advantages. But something so compelling must be costly, no? In this post, we will discuss not just the treatment itself but also try our best to answer the question – does dental insurance cover dental implants?
Dental Implants and Dental Insurance
Getting clear answers about what is covered by your dental insurance plans can be a little confusing for procedures like dental implants.
Does dental insurance cover dental implants depends on two main factors –
- What kind of insurance policy do you have?
- What type of implant treatment are you planning to get?
Types of Dental Insurance Plans
There are two common types of plans that are available –
- Dental Maintenance Organization (DMO)
- Dental Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
DMO plans are a lower-cost option. You choose your primary care dentist and need their referral to a dental specialist.
The PPO option doesn’t require referrals, and costs are lower if you see a dentist in the network.
Another type of insurance plan is a Dental Indemnity Plan. Under this plan, you can visit any licensed dentist in your state or the United States. A referral to a dental specialist isn’t needed.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants? Let’s Find Out Below
Most insurance companies consider implants a cosmetic procedure, therefore not medically necessary, and won’t cover it. However, if teeth are missing, you understand that replacing them goes far beyond aesthetic concerns. The replacement is critical not just for your oral health but also for your general well-being.
Covering the cost of dental implant procedures may require using medical and dental insurance coverages based on the underlying reason for the treatment. Experts suggest taking some time and reviewing your insurance policy to determine whether it is listed in the insurance information you received when you started the procedure.
Before you begin the treatment, ask your insurance company questions to ensure you don’t experience any unpleasant surprises afterward. Here are some questions that you can ask –
- Does my dental insurance cover dental implants?
- What percentage of the procedure does the plan cover?
- What is my annual maximum out-of-pocket cost?
- Do I need a referral before beginning the process of dental implants?
So, Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
To understand an implant’s insurance coverage, it’s essential to understand the different stages of treatment and the preparation needed.
Your coverage depends on whether you are replacing just one or two missing teeth or receiving an entire arch.
Tooth Extraction
A dentist advises tooth extraction in cases where a tooth is severely damaged and has to be removed before replacement. The removal of a tooth is a part of the dental implant process and is covered by most insurance companies wholly or partly.
Bone Grafting
Patients that don’t have an adequate quantity and quality of jaw bone require reinforcing before the implant procedure. This allows the implant to be stable and secure.
Even though this is an essential step in the implant process, this may be covered by something other than insurance.
Placing The Implant
Surgery involving placing the implant is a “major” dental procedure. Don’t be afraid of the word “major,” though. Insurance companies use the term to re-elect costs more than the intensity of the process.
Some dental insurance plans cover up to 50 percent of effective therapies.
Placing The Artificial Tooth
The artificial tooth – most commonly a dental crown – provides the appearance and functionality of a natural tooth.
While this may also be considered a “major” procedure, most companies might consider this the same thing as crowning to halt tooth decay. They may cover more of the cost, so check directly with your insurance provider.
What Does Dental Insurance Normally Cover?
The National Association of Dental Implants states that procedures are categorized into 3 groups of coverage –
- Preventive care
- Basic procedures
- Major procedures
Generally, insurance plans cover 100% of the cost of preventive care.
Necessary dental treatments like fillings, root canals, extractions, and gum disease treatment are covered up to 80% or less.
Dentures, crowns, and implants are major procedures covered at the lowest percentage – about 50% or less.
Waiting periods are usually standard in dental insurance plans – typically a year or less – before it starts covering significant procedures. Be sure to speak to your insurance provider about these waiting times and whether dental insurance covers dental implants.
No Insurance? No Problem! Let Le Sueur Help You Get the Treatment You Need
If you don’t have dental insurance and are worried about the cost of treatment – don’t.
At Le Sueur Family Dental, you can take advantage of our in-house savings plan, The Le Sueur Family Dental Savings Plan. You get the following benefits over traditional dental insurance –
- One low annual fee.
- No yearly maximum limit on savings.
- Preventive dental visits included, plus 15% off most other services (payment due at time of service).
- No claims or paperwork to submit.
- Enrollment is quick and easy!
- No waiting period. You can use your benefits immediately!
So, you can quickly get dental implants with our in-house savings plan. As far as our original question is concerned—does dental insurance cover dental implants? You don’t have to worry about it any longer!
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants? Stop Worrying & Get Dental Implants at Le Sueur Family Dental, MN Today!
A 2007 graduate of the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, Dr. David Tycast is the dental expert at Le Sueur Family Dental. He provides his patients with the most comprehensive, up-to-date dental care possible. Dr. Tycast thinks of his practice as high-tech dentistry with a small-town mentality.
A standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables the Le Sueur team to deliver the quality dental services our patients deserve. We have one goal in mind: to give you the best possible service and results.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. David Tycast, call us at (507) 665-6812. Please feel free to also request an appointment by filling out this form.
