Dental Implants and Insurance: What You Need to Know

Healthy, natural teeth are priceless, and a lost tooth replacement is also on the expensive side. In practice, rare dental insurance policies are implant-friendly, especially if you need an implant for cosmetic reasons. However, the mission is possible. We’ll help you navigate an inexplicable dental insurance policy market so that you can find a suitable option for your needs. 

Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?

Oral surgeons replace lost teeth with dental implants, permanent medical devices that support artificial teeth. The minimum age for dental implants starts from 18 since younger patients’ jaws are still developing. The cost of this pleasure varies, based on the particular doctor’s fee and your insurance plan. 

This is a worthy investment in your dental health, but many insurance companies don’t cover the cost of dental implants. They equate dental implants to a cosmetic issue, which is not medically necessary. However, many insurance plans will meet your needs in the case of an accident. When your deductible is paid, they can reduce the overall price but you might have to wait for a year to get the highest sum of coverage.

Types of Insurance Coverage for Dental Implants

If you already have insurance, ask your provider which amount of the procedure your policy covers. In case you are only browsing different dental insurance options, consider the following:

  • maximum coverage limits;
  • waiting periods;
  • deductibles;
  • implant coverage percentages; 
  • crown (fake tooth) coverage percentages. 

The type of insurance plan you choose directly impacts coverage eligibility for dental implants:

 

 

 

 

 

With implant-friendly insurance, you can save up from 10 to 50% of the procedure amount, meaning you’re in charge of the remaining sum. 

Before you start substantial oral treatment, address your insurance company and find out:

  • Whether your plan covers implants.
  • Percentage of the procedure your policy covers.
  • Annual maximum cost from your pocket.
  • If you need a referral before the dental implantation.
  • Whether your insurer can collaborate directly with a dental clinic to assess your coverage based on the treatment plan.

5 Factors Affecting Insurance Coverage for Implants

When looking for a suitable dental insurance plan, consider these factors:

  1. Type of insurance plan: comprehensive or basic.
  2. Reason for implantation: a medical issue caused by injury/tooth decay or cosmetic reason.
  3. Context of tooth loss: your case for obtaining insurance coverage strengthens if a missing tooth affects your oral function (causes your jaw or teeth misalignment or makes chewing difficult). 
  4. Policy waiting period: how long you need to wait before your insurance company covers implant costs.
  5. In-network or out-of-network provider: An “in-network” healthcare provider signs an agreement with your health insurance company to accept a discounted rate. An “out-of-network” provider doesn’t sign such an agreement.

5 Alternative Financing Options for Dental Implants

Assessing diverse financing options for getting dental implants, you might find out that you can’t afford an expensive insurance plan. However, it doesn’t mean you have to give up dreaming about a wide, radiant smile. Even if, God forbid, you completely lose teeth—you can discuss the cost, specifics, and process of the all on 6 dental implants technology with your dentist. Other financing options include:

  • Dental discount plan. Such plans offer reduced rates for treatment within a specific dental network. You’ll receive a membership card empowering you to get dental services for a discounted rate. 
  • Personal loan. For a beneficial deal, evaluate the interest rates of different lenders and choose repayment terms that correlate with your budget.
  • Health funds. Browse various health funds to find a suitable cover for dental implants and assess how it integrates with other financing options.
  • Credit cards. Though credit cards with interest-free periods for dental implant payments can affect your credit history, you can minimize the risks by clarifying the credit limit and the way it impacts dental implant costs. 
  • Negotiate the price with your dentist. Some oral surgeons might provide a more flexible payment plan.

Implant-Related Reimbursement: May the Fortune Be With You!

Dental implantation is among the most pricey procedures in dental clinics. Your reimbursement depends on the type of implant treatment and your insurance plan. Researching various financing options is crucial to maximize your benefits. When you have a clear understanding of the dental implant coverage process, you can choose the plan that aligns with your oral health needs and financial situation.