The decision to replace your missing teeth with dental implants is one you will not regret. Being able to live with a permanent smile that doesn’t budget when eating your favorite foods or speaking confidently to colleagues, friends, and family is a priceless reality. However, if you’re like most people, the one key factor is the cost. If you plan to use your dental insurance to help cover a majority of your bill, it’s important to find out whether this restorative service is covered. Keep reading to find out if your insurer will pay for any part of your treatment and how you can maximize your available benefits before they expire.
Will Dental Insurance Cover the Cost of Dental Implants?
When reviewing your dental insurance plan, you’ll find that you have an annual maximum, which is the total amount your insurer agrees to pay in a single year. If the cost of your treatment is more than the limit, you are responsible for the remaining out-of-pocket expenses.
Since dental implants tend to be a costlier form of treatment, your insurance carrier may or may not cover the costs. It’s important to carefully look at your policy to determine if there are any exclusions or stipulations associated with this type of restorative care. For example, your insurance may pay more if you experience tooth loss as a result of an accident.
Whether your plan covers dental implant placement or not, it may be possible to avoid paying the full amount for other aspects of treatment, such as any preliminary services that are required (i.e., bone grafting, tooth extraction, gum disease treatment, etc.), your custom restoration (i.e., dental crown, dental bridge, or denture), or your consultation.
How Can I Maximize My Available Benefits?
Since dental insurance is designed (in most cases) to provide available benefits for one calendar year, you will have access to your plan from January 1 to December 31. All existing funds that go unused will be returned to the insurance company, and your deductible will reset to $0. This means you will be required to meet this annual amount before receiving any financial help from your insurance company in the new year.
By starting the dental implant process now while there is still time, you can avoid paying another deductible and start saving when it comes to any preliminary treatments you might need.
You might also find it helpful to:
- Choose an in-network dentist who partners with your dental insurance, as their pre-negotiated rates will help you save.
- Work closely with your dental team to plan out the dental implant process so that you avoid paying high out-of-pocket expenses along the way.
- Review the details of your policy to determine if exclusions exist and how you can purchase a supplemental plan that provides dental implant coverage.
You can be well on your way to a newer, healthier smile in 2025 as long as you take a proactive approach when it comes to your dental insurance. Don’t let the current year pass you by. Talk to your dentist about ways to maximize your available benefits today.
About the Author
Dr. Shahram Modarres is a trusted dentist with more than two decades of dental experience. Treating patients of all ages, he is pleased to provide dental implants to those who are living without a full set of teeth. He is also happy to be in-network with many insurance plans, making it easier for patients to get the care they need at the lowest possible price. If you are interested in receiving dental implants but are unsure if your plan will cover the costs, contact us at (301) 816-9400.