Are Dental Implants Covered by Dental Insurance?

Are you looking to replace your missing teeth but don’t want to spend an arm and a leg? Dental insurance helps lower out-of-pocket costs for a wide range of procedures. However, the relationship between insurance and dental implants is a bit complicated. Keep reading to learn how you can get the most out of your coverage and why you may want to start implant treatment sooner rather than later.

Dental Insurance and Implant Treatment

While every plan is different, most insurance plans do not include coverage for dental implants. This is because many insurance providers still consider implants to be a primarily cosmetic procedure. However, you may be able to take advantage of your insurance benefits for certain implant-related procedures.

For instance, if you have gum disease or need a tooth removed before you can begin implant treatment, your dental insurance will likely cover a portion of those costs. In addition, your insurance may also cover the crown or bridge that attaches to the top of your implant.  

When Is the Best Time to Get Dental Implants?

If you want to replace your missing teeth with implants, you should start treatment before the end of the year. To understand why you will need to be familiar with two insurance-related terms:

• Deductible – This is the amount you have to pay out-of-pocket each year for dental care before your insurance kicks in.
• Annual Maximum – This the total amount that your insurance provider will pay on your behalf for dental care within a 12-month period.

If you have already gotten some dental work done this year, you have likely already paid your deductible. That means if you start implant treatment soon, your insurance may cover more of the costs of any preliminary treatments (as long as you have not hit your annual maximum).

Keep in mind that most insurance plans reset at the beginning of each year. Any unused benefits will disappear once January 1^st arrives! With dental insurance, it’s use it or lose it, so take advantage of your monthly investment and don’t delay talking to your dentist about implant treatment.

How Can I Learn More About My Coverage?

Before deciding how to replace your missing teeth, contact your insurance provider to learn more about what is and is not covered. You may be able to find detailed information about how your policy applies to dental implants on your insurance plan’s website. If not, your insurance provider likely has a toll-free number that you can call to learn more about your coverage.

If you need help, just ask your dentist! Dental teams are very knowledgeable about the insurance world and are always happy to help patients maximize their benefits.

About the Author

Dr. Justin Braga is an experienced periodontist in Huntington Beach with 15 years of experience rebuilding patients’ smiles. He is board-certified in dental implant surgery and has even won an award from the California Society of Periodontology for his research in dental implants. For information about dental insurance or implant treatment, visit the Huntington Beach Periodontics website or call 714-587-9094.