Coverage Question: Does Dental Insurance Include Implants?

Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in Thorndale in several ways. You might feel self-conscious about the changes to your appearance, experience a lisp or other altered speech patterns, or develop gastrointestinal issues if you cannot thoroughly chew food.

Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild your smile because of their unique placement in your jawbone, which gives them incredible strength and resilience. However, they tend to be pricier than alternatives like dentures and dental bridges. If you’re wondering whether your dental insurance policy will help cover the cost, continue reading to learn more!

How Does Dental Insurance Work?

Most dental insurance policies are designed to promote proper preventive care to help avoid the need for more complex and costly treatments. For instance, they often include 100% of standard services, like exams, cleanings, sealants, and fillings. Then, they might cover anywhere from 50% to 80% of other treatments needed to address oral issues, like root canals, dental crowns, and extractions. This setup is intended to keep prices low for the patients and the providers alike.

However, insurance plans don’t usually cover procedures that are considered a ‘luxury’ rather than a necessity, and dental implants fall in that category. It’s a good idea to check your information to verify exactly what’s included so you know what to expect.

Does Dental Insurance Cover Implants?

Getting these replacement teeth involves oral surgery, meaning they’re pricier than dentures or dental bridges. Unfortunately, many insurance policies include limitations, like an annual maximum amount they will pay, that can quickly be exhausted by this treatment option. As a result, they might not contribute to the cost, unless the procedure is considered medically necessary.

In other instances, your policy might offer some coverage for teeth that are lost due to an accident or certain medical conditions. Before you can proceed, you may need to obtain pre-authorization, meaning that your dentist must submit your information to the insurance provider to gain approval. This includes official documentation, like the treatment plan, X-rays or scans, and other supporting information to justify why dental implants are required.

What Aspects of My Treatment Might Be Covered?

Before proceeding with these restorations, you must consult your dentist in Thorndale to ensure you’re a good candidate. They’ll update your medical history, examine your mouth to establish your current dental condition, and measure your jawbone density to determine whether it’s thick enough to support implants.

If you need additional procedures, like a tooth extraction, bone graft, or sinus lift to prepare your mouth for implants, these treatments might also be partially included in your insurance policy.

If you’re unsure whether your plan includes any aspects of getting dental implants, you can ask your dental team for help! They’re familiar with many providers and can help you find the information to maximize your benefits.

About the Practice

At Chester County Dental Arts, you and your whole family benefit from a multi-specialty team with 20+ years of combined experience. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services at one convenient location, so whether you need an exam and cleaning or must undergo oral surgery, they can help. They also have the specialized training and state-of-the-art equipment to provide each step of the implant process in the office, including placing and restoring your new tooth. If you want to close the spaces in your smile, you can request an appointment on the website or call (610) 383-1600.