Dental implants are the latest technology in tooth replacement. Although they’ve been around for quite a while, dental implants are still the most advanced, highest quality option for replacing teeth in the field of dentistry.
If you’re considering dental implants, you probably have a variety of questions. One of the most commonly asked questions about dental implants is whether or not they are covered by insurance. Here’s what insurance may or may not cover when it comes to dental implants.
What Are Dental Implants?
A dental implant is a titanium post shaped like a screw that is surgically placed in the jaw bone. It replaces a natural tooth root and acts as an anchor for a dental prosthetic. A single dental implant can support a crown to replace one tooth. Multiple implants can support bridges or dentures to replace more than one tooth.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
As far as dental insurance providers are concerned, dental implants are considered to be cosmetic and therefore they are not eligible for dental coverage under most plans. However, there are dental insurance plans you can purchase that provide coverage for dental implants. You may be able to pay extra to upgrade your current dental insurance plan, or you may be able to purchase supplemental insurance.
Some dental insurance plans will cover the prosthetic portion of your dental implants, such as the crown, bridge, or dentures even though the surgery and the dental implant itself may not be covered.
Does Medical Insurance Cover Dental Implants?
Medical insurance will sometimes cover dental implants if they are medically necessary. In order to be considered medically necessary, there must have been an accident or you must have a health condition that is the cause of tooth loss. In the case of medical insurance, it is typically the dental implant itself that is covered and not necessarily the prosthetic portion. Your dental insurance may cover the prosthetic portion of your dental implant restoration.
Are Dental Implants Worth It?
If you do not have insurance coverage for dental implants, you may wonder if the cost is worth it. Even if you have insurance coverage, it will only cover a portion of your dental implants and you’ll still have a remaining balance to pay out of pocket. Should you go with a cheaper, insurance-supported tooth replacement option?
Insurance providers want you to choose the least expensive option, which is why they cover bridges, but not dental implants. But when you compare these two options for tooth replacement, dental implants have many benefits over bridges.
- Function. Dental implants are more secure than bridges and provide the chewing force of a natural tooth.
- Appearance. Dental implants look more natural than bridges because they are anchored in the jaw like your natural teeth.
- Won’t affect healthy teeth. A dental bridge requires the enamel of the healthy teeth on each side of the gap to be shaved down to make room for the bridge to be placed over them for support. Those teeth are forever altered and may even sustain additional damage over time as the force of chewing takes its toll. Dental implants won’t affect your healthy teeth in any negative ways.
- Prevents bone loss. Dental implants keep the jaw bone from resorbing (dissolving) as it would do in the absence of a tooth root.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your dentist. Take all of the information into consideration to determine the best tooth replacement option.
Why Choose Hudson Valley Periodontics & Implantology?
We recommend dental implants for tooth replacement in many cases, as long as they are in the best interest of the patient. Whether or not you have insurance coverage that includes dental implants should not be the deciding factor. Hudson Valley Periodontics & Implantology believes that all patients should have access to the best possible dental care. We accept a variety of payment options and offer CareCredit financing to help make the cost of dental implants more affordable.
To learn more, call 845-623-6666 or contact us today to schedule an appointment.