Does Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Dental implants provide patients who are missing a tooth or teeth with a restorative option far more advanced than dentures. Implants are attached to the jaw using a titanium screw that holds it in place so that it manifests with the bones in the gums, becoming a natural part of the mouth. Implants look and feel more like real teeth and when properly cared for, can last 25 years or more. They also make eating, talking, and many other tasks easier than dentures.
How Much do Implants Cost?
The biggest -and perhaps only- disadvantage found with dental implants is the cost. Though prices vary, patients spend an average price of $550 – $3,000 each, so you can imagine the costs of several implants and in situations when grafts and other treatments are needed to prepare the mouth for the implant. The price leaves many people to wonder if the implant cost is covered by their dental insurance.
Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Since dentures are available for the restoration issues, implants have been deemed a luxury, cosmetic item. Therefore, most insurance plans do not cover the costs of implants. Insurance companies look at it in a way that anyone who is missing a tooth does not, but hopefully this will change in the future as more people come to understand the challenges and struggles that people face when missing teeth and/or when using dentures.
Some of the treatment procedures used to prepare your mouth for the implant may be covered by insurance, so this does shed some light on the situation. You’ll learn the treatments needed during the initial consultation and can use the information to learn what is and what is not covered by your policy. A few insurance companies are now offering coverage for certain cosmetic procedures, so do check your insurance policy or talk to your agent to learn first hand if dental implant costs are covered by your policy.