Does Dental Insurance Cover the Implant Procedure?

Dental implants are a major investment, so you’re probably wondering if dental insurance will cover the cost—or at least a portion of the cost. While there’s no definitive answer that will apply to every scenario, it’s important to know that implant patients have more options than ever before when it comes to paying for treatment. 

Are Dental Implants Covered? 

Your dental insurance might cover the cost of implants, but it largely depends on your individual plan and the type of treatment you need. In the past, most insurance providers denied dental coverage for implants because the treatment was viewed as a purely cosmetic procedure. Insurance providers instead would approve coverage for dentures, which offer the same functional purpose of implants but at a lower cost—even if dentures do come with more downsides. 

Today, however, more dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of dental implants. However, you have to read the fine print when reviewing your policy. The dental implant procedure actually includes several components, many of which—including the initial consultations, X-rays, and anesthesia—may not be covered. And if you need pre-treatments like bone grafting or a sinus lift, you will usually pay for those out of pocket as well. In some cases, you might be able to use a combination of dental and medical insurance to cover part of the implant cost, but this too can vary.

In the event that your insurance provider does cover dental implants, the coverage will usually apply only to the dental implant surgery (the post, abutment, and crown placement), and nothing more. Discuss the total cost breakdown with your dentist or oral surgeon to get a better idea of what might be covered. When discussing the issue with your insurance provider, you’ll also want to inquire about the percentage of the cost that’s covered and your annual maximum out-of-pocket cost. Many insurance plans will reimburse up to $1,500 per implant in the course of a year, but there are no guarantees. 

Dental Insurance Coverage for All-on-4 Implants 

If you don’t have dental insurance that covers traditional implants, there may be an alternative. Some insurance providers will cover all-on-four and all-on-six implants even when they deny coverage for traditional implants. That’s because all-on-four implants are a quicker, more cost-effective solution that shares characteristics with both dentures and implants. 

Like a denture, an all-on-four implant consists of an entire custom-made arch that covers the upper or lower jaw. And like an implant, the arch is fused directly to the jaw bone. In the case of an all-on-four, the arch is placed using four posts—two in the front, and two in the back. The arch can include an entire set of teeth, but it’s as secure, natural-looking and comfortable as a traditional implant. And whereas traditional implants can take months to complete, an all-on-four takes just one day. On average, it takes about two-and-a-half hours to place a single arch. 

So if you need multiple tooth replacements and your insurance won’t cover dental implants, it’s worth inquiring about all-on-four. You may have an easier time securing partial insurance coverage, and even if your claim is denied, the procedure will cost you less than traditional implants. 

Other Ways to Pay for Dental Implants

If you’re unable to secure insurance coverage despite your best efforts, there are other ways to pay for dental implants. For instance, some patients use a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). 

A flexible spending account is sponsored through your employer, and it involves setting aside a portion of your paycheck to pay for health-related expenses. A health savings account is a special type of medical savings account for people who have a high-deductible insurance plan. Both FSAs and HSAs offer tax benefits to the patient and can reduce the financial burden of paying for implants, but eligibility for each type of account will vary. 

Perhaps the most common way to bring the cost of dental implants within reach is through financing. At our Bakersfield practice, for example, we work with our patients to establish affordable payment plans through CareCredit. CareCredit offers a number of perks, including interest-free promotional periods. Though not all patients qualify for CareCredit, we do everything possible to ensure convenient financing options for the greatest number of patients—even when their credit is less than perfect.

There Are Ways to Make Dental Implants Affordable 

While dental implant insurance benefits aren’t guaranteed, more options are available for patients than ever before. Thanks to increasingly flexible insurance providers, new implant technologies, and an abundance of financing and payment options, dental implants are now a viable option for millions who once would have been priced out of the procedure. 

So talk to your insurance company. Talk to your dental care provider. See what options are available. You might be surprised at just how affordable implants can be.