Dental implants have a widespread reputation as the best form of tooth replacement, and deservedly so. They are almost as good as natural teeth! However, they do tend to cost more than other treatment options. If your budget is a bit tight, you might be wondering if your dental insurance will help to pay for your dental implants. The answer to that is not necessarily straightforward. This blog post contains some important information that you should keep in mind.
Dental Insurance and Dental Implants
It is important to note that no two dental insurance plans are exactly the same; coverage can vary quite a bit from case to case. In the past, it was rare for insurance to cover implants because the treatment was viewed as more of a luxury than a necessity. Nowadays, though, more and more insurers are recognizing the value of dental implants. Therefore, coverage for them is steadily becoming more common.
If your plan covers implants, they are likely classified as a major service. Typically, about 50% of the cost of major services is covered, up to the amount of a plan’s annual maximum. With the help of their benefits, some patients are able to save $1,000 or more on their out-of-pocket obligation.
It is also pretty standard for dental insurance to help pay for preliminary procedures that are often necessary before implant placement. For example, your plan might cover tooth extractions, bone grafting, and gum disease therapy. Depending on the nature of your treatment, it might be 50% to 80% covered.
Taking Advantage of Your Benefits
If you would like to use your insurance to help pay for your dental implants, here are some important points that you should keep in mind:
- Seek preauthorization if necessary. Some dental insurance companies require preauthorization before they approve coverage for dental implants. Your oral surgery team can help you file all the necessary forms.
- Strategically schedule your treatment. Often, dental implant treatment takes several months. If you book your procedure across calendar years, you might be able to use two annual maximums instead of just one. This strategy can be especially useful for people who start their treatment toward the end of a calendar year.
- Find out if your medical insurance applies. In some cases, regular medical insurance will pay for a portion of the cost of dental implant surgery.
- Find out what your total costs will be. Even with the help of your insurance, you may end up owing a significant amount of money. Your care team can walk you through your payment options.
Your dental insurance might help you pay for your new smile! Learn how it works so you can use it to your greatest advantage.
Meet the Practice
Piney Point Dental Implant Center provides a full range of advanced implant services, including implant placement, bone grafting, and more. If you are interested in replacing your lost teeth, our team can answer your questions and help you understand the financial side of your treatment. We accept many forms of dental and medical insurance. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact our Houston team at 713-597-7340.