If you have ever felt confused about what your dental insurance covers when you need dental implants, you’re not alone. The team at Desbordes Dental in Baltimore, MD can work with your dental insurance company to determine whether dental implants are covered so you can focus on your treatment, not the cost.
Understanding Dental Insurance Coverage
Anyone who is missing teeth knows that replacing them is a necessary procedure, but many insurance companies consider dental implants a cosmetic procedure. Most plans do not cover cosmetic procedures because they are not considered medically necessary, but in many cases, to cover your implant procedure, you may be able to use a combination of medical and dental coverage. Review your policy brochure to find out what your plan covers, and you’ll want to get answers to the following questions:
- Does the plan cover implants?
- What percentage of the procedure does the policy cover?
- What is my annual maximum out-of-pocket cost?
- Do I need a referral before receiving dental implants?
Our staff will consult directly with the insurance company to determine the final cost to you.
Are Implants Covered By My Insurance?
To determine whether your insurance covers implants, it’s important to know the different parts of the treatment and how much mouth preparation is needed. The amount of coverage also depends on whether you are receiving a full arch of restored teeth or just replacing one or two missing teeth.
Tooth Extraction: Depending on whether you are already missing teeth or if the tooth needs to be extracted, this procedure will be part of your dental implant treatment. Most insurance companies cover all or most of a tooth extraction.
Bone Grafting: Some patients need their underlying jawbone strengthened prior to the implant procedure to ensure the implant will stay in place. This part of the procedure may not be covered, despite it being a crucial step in the implant procedure.
Placing the Implant: The implant placement procedure is considered a “major” dental procedure. Don’t be afraid of the word “major,” though — this is a term insurance companies use that does not always reflect the intensity of treatment. Some plans cover up to 50 percent of major procedures.
Placing the Artificial Tooth: The artificial tooth that provides the appearance and functionality of natural teeth is also considered a major procedure. Some plans consider this the same as crowning a natural tooth and may cover more of the cost, so check directly with your insurance company.
Dental Implants in Baltimore, MD
We understand that working with insurance and a budget can get confusing. Dr. Desbordes’ staff will work with you, your dentist, and your insurance company to offer you the best treatment based on your needs and budget — and a long-lasting smile. Schedule a consultation online or call (410) 216-4023 today.