Are Dental Implants Covered By Dental Insurance?

Many insurance plans cover selected parts of the dental implant process. In certain circumstances, such as in the case of an accident or traumatic injury, medical insurance may also cover most, if not all, of the cost of a dental implant.

About Dental Implants

A dental implant is a highly advanced medical device that replaces the tooth's crown and root system. Implants consist of a biocompatible titanium post surgically placed in the jaw, a stainless steel abutment, and a dental crown, bridge, or denture to complete the restoration.

Implants can replace missing or damaged teeth, improving oral health while completing a patient's smile.

Advantages of Dental Implants

Durable

Dental implants last for many years. The titanium post and abutment may last a lifetime, while the crown, bridge, or denture may need periodic replacement every eight to 10 years.

Attractive

Today's dental implants look almost exactly like healthy, natural teeth. They blend beautifully into your smile and create a seamless look.

Easy Care

A single-tooth dental implant needs no more care than a natural tooth. As recommended, brushing, flossing, and regularly visiting the dentist should be enough to keep it healthy for many years.

Protect Oral Health

Missing teeth are more than a cosmetic problem. Absent teeth may allow plaque and bacteria to build up in the gaps, causing higher rates of decay and gum disease. Missing teeth also allow their neighbors to shift out of position, causing crowding and a greater risk of complications.

Receiving Insurance Coverage for Dental Implants

Patients may have difficulty determining whether their dental insurer will cover any part of their implant procedure. The steps in the process may include:

• Pre-surgical consultations
• Imaging and X-rays (often CBCT or Cone Beam Computed Tomography scans)
• Treatments like bone grafts or extractions
• Surgery to place the post
• Anesthesia
• The crown, bridge, or denture itself

Each step in the process has different insurance coverage guidelines, and the amounts or percentages covered vary greatly. The most commonly covered procedures are tooth extraction and bone grafting. However, patients may have to pay the remainder out of pocket.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Implants

Why are dental implants so expensive?

The costs can quickly add up since dental implants are constructed from advanced materials and placed using sophisticated digital technology. Considering dental implants as a valuable investment in your oral health may help. Getting an implant may be less expensive in the long run than multiple crowns or bridges to replace the same tooth.

Does dental implant surgery hurt?

The surgery itself is painless, thanks to local anesthesia. Many patients also choose sedation if they feel uneasy or if they simply want to relax. The recovery period may involve some discomfort, but generally, patients can manage it using over-the-counter or prescription medication.

Call College Street Smiles

A dental implant is a major investment in oral health, chewing function, and appearance. We can help determine which parts of your procedure may receive insurance coverage. Please call our office at 615-446-7878 to schedule a consultation today.