Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?

Dental implants are one of the most popular treatments for replacing missing teeth, but whether insurance will cover them remains a complex issue. Insurance coverage for dental implants varies depending on the type of insurance plan and policy. Some insurance policies may cover a portion or all the cost of dental implants, while others may only cover certain aspects of the treatment.

Dental Insurance for Implants

Some dental insurance plans cover implants in part, so be sure to check with your insurance provider to determine what portions of your treatment are covered. Most policies cover teeth extraction and bone grafting. Some cover the cost of the prosthetics but not the implants themselves. Others will cover a portion of the implant placement and the replacement teeth, but only in part. Coverage for X-rays, anesthesia, and consultations also varies. Please contact your dental insurance carrier and ask what portion of dental implants is covered and the limits of that coverage.

Medical Insurance for Dental Implants

It surprises many patients that their medical insurance may cover all or part of dental implants. Your medical insurance provider will consider covering implants if they are medically necessary. However, if they deem the procedure strictly cosmetic, they may not. If you have been in an accident and need dental implants to restore teeth lost or damaged from facial trauma, it maybe be considered medically necessary. If you currently use dentures but want to upgrade to dental implants, the insurance provider may consider this an esthetic and, therefore, unnecessary procedure.

Can I Combine Dental and Medical Insurance Coverage for Dental Implants?

You may need to use both your medical and dental insurance to get the maximum coverage possible. Approval factors will include why you need the implants, the type of implants used, whether bone grafting is necessary, and your coverage limits. If it sounds confusing, that is because it is.

Before you begin your dental implant journey, we encourage you to contact both your dental and medical insurers and ask questions to determine what is and is not covered. Relevant questions include:

• Do you cover dental implants?
• What portion of the procedure is covered?
• Does it matter what type of implants are used?
• What is my out-of-pocket cost?
• Do I need pre-authorization for dental implants?
• What is the maximum allowable coverage?
• What procedures are included in coverage?
  • Consultations & Appointments?
  • X-rays?
  • Bone grafting?
  • Sinus Lift?
  • Implant placement?
  • Prosthetics?
  • Follow-up care?

What About HSAs and FSAs?

If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you might be able to use these funds. You may have to provide a letter of medical necessity from your doctor or dentist and turn in receipts for any procedures related to and including implant placement.

The staff at Alaska Oral Surgery Group is available to answer your questions and help you navigate financial considerations, including the availability of payment plans through CareCredit. Please contact us at Alaska Oral Surgery Group Office Phone Number 907-278-5678 if you would like additional information about dental implant costs and coverage.