If you’d like to look and feel as if your teeth had never been missing at all, then dental implants may be right for you. Since they replicate every single part of the teeth, they’re the closest thing to turning back the clock on your smile. However, you might be wondering whether you can use your dental insurance to reduce the cost of dental implants. Keep reading to learn whether your insurance will cover implants and why this solution is absolutely worth the investment!
Are Dental Implants Covered by Dental Insurance?
It’s important to mention that no two dental insurance policies are exactly alike, and coverage can vary greatly between two patients. With that being said, most dental plans do NOT cover the cost of the dental implants themselves or the surgical procedure required to place them.
That doesn’t necessarily mean your dental insurance won’t help you afford your treatment costs, though. Many plans will partially cover some other step in the process, such as the prosthetic teeth that are later placed atop the implants, or bone grafting in the jaw that might be necessary beforehand. Your dentist’s team can check the details of your policy to make sure you receive all of the savings you qualify for.
What About Medical Insurance?
There are some circumstances in which health insurance will actually cover dental implant treatment to replace teeth that went missing as a result of medical complications, such as:
- One or more congenitally missing teeth.
- Tooth loss from a physical injury, like a car accident.
- Tooth loss over the course of cancer treatment.
As with dental insurance, every medical plan differs in the details, so be sure to check with your specific plan if your teeth were lost for general health reasons.
Why Dental Implants Are Worth Every Penny
Even if your dental or medical insurance carrier isn’t providing that much coverage for dental implants, they’re more than worth the investment. When you choose dental implants as your tooth replacement, you can look forward to all sorts of benefits that other options don’t have. For example, dental implants:
- Will never slip out of place the way that dentures often do.
- Allow you to easily eat your favorite foods.
- Require very little maintenance beyond normal brushing, flossing, and dental cleanings.
- Can potentially last a lifetime – saving you the costs of replacing a traditional prosthetic every few years.
- Strengthen your jawbone, preventing it from collapsing and making you appear older.
If you have any questions about dental implants or whether your insurance plan will cover them to any degree, don’t hesitate to ask your dentist. Their team will be more than happy to help you find solutions for rebuilding your smile without breaking the bank!
About the Author
Dr. Mo Saleh graduated from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and has been a practicing dentist in Ohio for several years now. At Brecksville Dental Excellence, he provides start-to-finish dental implant treatment, making the process extra convenient. His practice is in-network with a wide range of the most popular dental insurance providers, but they’re more than happy to accept and file claims for nearly all PPO dental plans. To find out how you can enjoy brand-new teeth that fit into your budget, contact Dr. Saleh’s office at (440) 546-9494.