Dental implants are a popular choice if you are searching for a long-lasting and natural-looking solution after experiencing tooth loss. However, with a cost ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 per implant, many patients often wonder if dental implants can be covered by insurance.
At Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, we work with a wide range of insurance companies, and depending on your circumstances, your dental implants may be covered. Learn more about what determines coverage, when dental implants may or may not be covered, and what your options are if insurance coverage is unavailable.
What Determines Insurance Coverage?
The type of insurance plan you have is the primary determinant of whether your dental implants are covered. Typically, dental insurance focuses on preventive care, such as cleanings and checkups, as well as restorative treatments like fillings and root canals. In many cases, dental implants are categorized as a “cosmetic” procedure, which often limits coverage.
When Are Dental Implants Often Covered?
Depending on your circumstances, your dental insurance may partially or fully cover dental implants if they are deemed “medically necessary.” For instance, if you were in an accident resulting in tooth loss or severe bone loss, your insurance may step in to cover the costs.
Another common scenario in which dental implants are usually covered by insurance is if the implant is necessary to prevent further medical complications, such as significant bone loss or the impairment of your speaking and chewing abilities. In these cases, your insurance may recognize the procedure as medically necessary.
When Is Coverage for Dental Implants Unlikely?
Unfortunately, there are many instances where dental implant coverage is unlikely. If you are seeking dental implants purely for cosmetic reasons, insurance companies are less inclined to provide coverage.
Additionally, if your dental plan has a strict annual maximum, otherwise known as the maximum amount of money an insurance plan will pay toward covered services in a given policy year, you may find that only a fraction of the cost is covered—even if the implants are deemed medically necessary.
Patients without dental insurance or those with plans that do not include major restorative procedures may also struggle to get implants covered.
What Are Your Options if Coverage for Dental Implants Is Unavailable?
If coverage for dental implants is unavailable, for instance, if your insurance policy does not include coverage or you have reached your annual maximum, you are not out of options.
Consider using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA), which allow you to use pre-tax dollars to cover medical expenses, including dental work. Alternatively, many dental offices offer financing plans that allow you to pay for implants over time, including Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.
We offer CareFund for patients seeking high-quality dental implants with easy and affordable monthly payment plans, especially when insurance does not provide full coverage.
Explore Your Dental Implant Coverage Options at Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery in Fairhope, AL
Though coverage for dental implants is not always available, you have options at Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery. Whether it be partial coverage, a financing plan, or a tax-advantaged savings account, the right strategy is available to help make your procedure more affordable. Learn more about our accepted insurance and financing plans at Minto Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery.