Are Dental Implants Covered By Insurance?
Dental implants are a part of an advanced, restorative oral healthcare procedure, so naturally, the cost of implants varies widely. As a result, many patients have concerns as to whether or not all or some of the implant procedure costs will be covered by their dental insurance policy. Unfortunately, there is no clear and definite answer to this concern, but there are some factors that can help you make this determination.
Restorative vs. Cosmetic
A patient can decide to have implants installed for one of two reasons: restorative or cosmetic benefits. Patients who need restorative implants generally have an underlying medical condition that has affected the condition of their teeth and gums, or the implant procedure is an important measure in preserving their oral health. Depending on the coverage limits on the patient's policy, implants for these purposes might be completely or partially covered. Cosmetic implants are 100% elective and generally are not covered by insurance.
Sedation
Implant installation does come along with a certain level of discomfort. For some people, mild sedation is necessary, and for those patients with elevated anxiety or a low pain tolerance, a stronger anesthetic might be required. Insurance companies generally have caps for the amount of benefit they will pay for sedation. Should your choice of sedation exceed this amount, you will likely have to pay the cost of the sedation or the difference in cost out of pocket.
Supportive Services
It's also important to note that the implant installation process is a multi-step process. Typically, before the patient can have the implant installed, the natural tooth and root must be removed. If extraction is a treatment service that is covered by your dental health insurance, these supportive services will typically be covered by the insurance plan, which will help reduce the total cost of the implant installation process.
Cost Concerns
Whether or not your insurance company covers the cost of implant procedures should not keep you from seeking this important treatment. Whether it's improved oral health or increased confidence, the benefits of implants are long reaching. Additionally, many dental offices are more than happy to work with patients to establish a plan to cover the cost of the treatment. So, don't be afraid to ask any questions about paying for your implant installation.
If you have questions about whether or not your implant procedure will be covered, contact an implant dentist for assistance.