If you have lost one or more teeth, it is in your best interests to pursue tooth replacement. Many patients opt for dental implants, which are strong, sturdy, and incredibly long-lasting. Indeed, they are considered the gold standard of prosthetic teeth! However, they do come at a higher cost than alternative treatments. Therefore, you may naturally wonder if your dental insurance will help to cover the expense. This blog post explains some important points that you should keep in mind.
Coverage Varies Between Plans
Not all dental insurance plans cover implants. In the past, this treatment was largely viewed as a luxury elective service. Therefore, many insurers were reluctant to offer any sort of benefits for it.
Now, though, there is an ever-growing body of evidence to support the health benefits of dental implants. As a result, more and more insurance companies are beginning to offer coverage for them. It is certainly worth checking if your plan applies to them!
If your plan does cover implants, they are likely classified as a major treatment. That means up to 50% of their cost might be covered, up to the amount of your plan’s annual maximum. (Since we are near the end of the year, it may be wise to get started with treatment right away. Then, you can finish your procedure in 2026 after your benefits reset. In other words, you may be able to use two annual maximums instead of just one!)
What if Your Insurance Does Not Cover Implants?
Even if your dental insurance does not apply to the implant surgery itself, it may still help you with other aspects of your tooth replacement journey. For example, it is possible that it will pay for a portion of the cost of:
- Preliminary care, such as gum disease therapy, tooth extractions, or bone grafting.
- Your final restoration (the bridge, crown, or denture that will get attached to your implants).
If you are unsure of what your plan may cover or what your out-of-pocket cost might amount to, talk to your dental team. They can verify your benefits, crunch some numbers, and provide you with a personalized cost estimate.
Managing the Cost of Dental Implants
Since dental insurance rarely covers the entire cost of dental implants, you should plan to pay a substantial amount out-of-pocket. Ask your dental team what provisions are available to make this a bit easier. For example, most practices offer affordable third-party financing through a company like CareCredit.
Dental implants are worth the cost, but you should still have a realistic view of how they might affect your budget. Talk to your care team to learn more about how you may be able to afford a brand-new smile!
Meet the Practice
At Beck Dental Care in Columbia, TN, we welcome dental insurance. We are even in-network with some popular plans. Plus, we accept CareCredit financing. If you are curious about the cost of dental implants and the provisions that may help you afford them, we are ready to answer your questions. Contact our office at 931-388-8452.