After learning of the cost of dental implants, many patients have a single question: Are they covered by my insurance? While this might seem like a yes-or-no question, the answer is not-so simple. Coverage of dental implant surgery can depend on whether medical insurance, dental insurance or both could apply to the procedure. Just how much an insurance plan covers can depend on:
- Insurance provider
- Plan coverage details
- Plan annual limits
Patients should always have discussions about insurance coverage with their oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS).
What Kinds of Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Some insurance plans cover implants, and some do not. Each patient needs to investigate their options and discuss the extent of the surgery with their oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS). Questions may include: Is there a prior tooth extraction? What about anesthesia? What about bone grafting?
Patients also should contact their medical and dental insurance companies. Here are some potential scenarios to keep in mind:
- If a dental insurance policy covers implants, be sure to review the plan’s annual limit as there may be some additional out-of-pocket payment.
- The crown attached to the abutment of a dental implant can be covered under some dental plans.
- Some medical insurance plans are beginning to cover aspects of dental implants, especially if there are medical complications as a result of tooth loss.
- Insurance covering injuries and accidents that require the replacement of one or more teeth may allow for dental implants.
- Benefits depend solely on an individual policy. Do not base your medical budget decisions on anyone else’s experience.
Consult an OMS for Dental Implant Costs
The cost of dental implants can vary drastically from region to region and from person to person. To determine specific implant costs, it’s important to have a plan of action:
- Consult an OMS: Anyone considering dental implants should consult with an oral and maxillofacial surgeon.
- Contact Insurance: Reach out to both medical and dental insurance plans to determine whether they cover dental implant surgery.
- Develop a Budget: Dental implants are a lifetime solution to missing teeth, so their value cannot be overstated. They are a responsible choice, and patients should plan how to afford them responsibly.
- Discuss Costs with an OMS: Many oral and maxillofacial surgeons can put patients in contact with affordable financing options specifically for oral healthcare.
As one of the only long-term answers for missing teeth, dental implants are truly an investment, often providing a lifelong solution without the upkeep required with bridges or dentures.
Article Courtesy of AAOMS, https://myoms.org/
All procedures performed at Pottstown Oral Surgery can be done under general or local anesthesia. Click here to learn more about us.